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Sense of Semblance	By : sandman-nobody Category: +M through R > RWBY Views: 132765 -:- Recommendations : 5 -:- Currently Reading : 7
Disclaimer: I do not own RWBY. I am not making any money from this fanfiction.

Chapter List
- 6
- 7
- 8
A/N: Hello, everyone. Miss me? I sure missed you guys. Sorry for the long wait, but unfortunately, I ran into a bit of a computer problem a few months back. It took me a while to save up enough for a new one, but don’t worry. I am back now and updates should resume without issue. There is a small issue, unfortunately, that I think you all are going to notice if you read the last chapter’s teaser. And while I intended to get to the fun, smutty locker room shenanigans that I promised, this chapter got away from me a bit as I worked towards that point. Suffice to say, its still a good chapter but somewhat light on any nakedness. *shrugs* chapter 8 will have all the naked fun one could ask, however, so I want to thank you for your patience.
Tag(s): N/A
Girl(s): N/A
Words: 13,801

Chapter 7 – Perverts Can Be knights Too
“He won the lottery?”
“Doubtful.”
“Drugs?”
“I’ve seen him measure aspirin.”
“Maybe he actually won a fight?
“About as probable as the lottery.”
“Hmm…” Yang considered, eyes narrowed with curiosity. “Maybe…. Maybe he got laid?” Yang finally tried, looking over at Blake just as the cat faunus glanced up from her book. Yellow eyes met purple in a stoic exchange, one eyebrow raised as if to ask if the blonde was serious. Finally, Yang just sighed, rolling her eyes as she leaned back in her chair. Blake’s eyes lingered a little longer before slowly turning to stare at the same picture her partner had been trying to decipher.
Jaune Arc leaned back in his seat, arms thrown back behind his head while an obnoxious smile laid across his face. Not the kind that encouraged others to feel the same, or even the kind that made people feel happy for his good mood, but an irritating variation. The kind that made a person just want to go up and slap him across the face until it was gone. It was a secret smile, a proud smile, and a smile that said something amazing had happened. Which was… strange compared to his partner’s mood. Looking around, it was hard not to notice the red-haired champion’s absence. Especially after the commotion from the other day.
“Pyrrha hasn’t said anything?” Blake wondered. To which Yang let out a long sigh.
“nothing new,” the blonde answered, which left both of them more than a little frustrated. Team RWBY had been slightly surprised to see their friend knocking at their door so close to curfew. But had been even more surprised hearing her ask if she could spend the night in their room. The friends that they were, they couldn’t exactly turn her away, but neither had they been able to resist voicing their concern. In the end, she’d stayed quiet for most of the night, flushing a bright red every time every time one of them tried to find out what had happened. Leading to a wide range of interesting speculation.
From what they’d been able to piece together from her guilty mumbling, they knew it had something to do with that morning and an incident during training. Beyond that, they were left to their imaginations. “honestly?” Yang continued, “I thought she killed him.” Followed by a low snicker. Blake’s eyebrows rose but she otherwise didn’t comment. The thought had crossed her mind… “How about you? Anything interesting happen last night?” Unfortunately, not.
In the end, Blake had been the one to offer her bed and take Pyrrha’s. Considering what had happened with Jaune and Weiss and Jaune and Yang it had fallen to her or Ruby. Who had been willing, but the cat Faunus had seen a rare opportunity to spy on the blonde boy outside of the public view and had jumped at the chance to satisfy her curiosity. As for results, however…
“He seemed a little more down the other night, but so did everyone. I don’t think ren knows, but Nora at least has an idea of what happened. She looked almost as guilty as Pyrrha, for whatever reason. Actually, between the three of them, Jaune seems the least bothered. If Pyrrha really did do something, I don’t think Jaune’s nearly as upset as what she’s thinking.” Which meant there was yet another girl somehow connected to Jaune who’s suddenly started to act strangely. Neither of the girls had anything else to add, turning back to silence as the returned to their quiet contemplation.
In what was beginning to appear as a pattern to Blake’s curious gaze, when it came to the once shy blond boy, neither her nor her partner had any idea what was going on. Although, to be fair, she wasn’t nearly as interested as Yang appeared. Not that the black-haired girl would ever say so. And speaking of girl’s acting strangely, Blake felt her interest spike seeing Yang’s attention once more drawn towards their friend.
Her quiet gaze slipped back to her partner, the edge of her book keeping the lower half of her face hidden as she regarded the blonde’s intense gaze. The same stare she always seemed to develop lately whenever JNPR’s team leader came into view. At first, she’d tried to pass it off as mocking entertainment, and then idle curiosity as Weiss’ behavior shifted to what they were now all learning to tolerate. But as more days passed, and answers remained up in the air, it was getting harder and harder to ignore her partner’s… not an obsession, but fascination. Whatever Jaune had done to the blonde boxer, and that’s if he’d done anything at all, it had caught Yang's attention. Which, Blake was beginning to believe was a very dangerous position to be in. Whether the blonde recognized it or not, there was a pressure building. To what, she couldn’t say. But maybe she could help relieve some of that stress…
“You could just ask, you know?” Blake’s eyes glanced back towards her book, staring at the page without reading any of it. Her tone was challenging as ever, purposefully doing her best subtly give Yang a push. “Between this and everything that’s happened before, well, you don’t usually seem the type to just sit back and observe. If you think something’s up why don’t you talk to him?”
Of course, the same could be said about her. But in this particularly innocent mystery, she found herself drawn to the naturaly unraveling clues she was allowed to lap up like milk from a bowl. For once in her life, she was free to enjoy the simple “drama” of everyday life without the fear of the White Fang and everything the organization entailed. No life or death decisions, no ethical or moral struggles. Since she’d joined Beacon, all she had to worry about were issues about crushes and who liked who. It was her own personal soap opera, and she wasn’t about to miss a single episode.
“I… I did.” Yang revealed, although oddly subdued in her delivery. Without looking at her friend, Yang’s face had taken on a subtle blush, just enough to turn her already tan skin a darker bronze. Arms crossed over her chest, they seemed to tighten ever so slightly around the proud curve of her breasts sticking through her jacket and hugged the orbs closer to her body. “This morning, actually. And ah… a few times before that. Usually early in the morning or when everyone else is already gone.”
Blake blinked at the news but didn’t move to interrupt. Yang’s hesitant tone followed, the color of her cheeks brightening with every word. “I mean, I try to, but…” she hesitated, continuing only after a not so subtle glance around to see no one was listening in. “but ah, every time I get too close, I start to... well.” And finally, she stopped, an unusually bashful expression taking hold as she dropped her face towards the desk. And all the while, the pleasure from these encounters echoed through her frame like a phantom, not nearly as powerful as the actual interactions, but just as sharp.
It was too consistent to be her imagination and just as powerful. No matter how much she worked to calm herself before approaching the blonde boy, as soon as she was close enough to reach out and touch him she could feel the pleasure start to infect her breasts like they had a mind of their own.
Beginning slowly, it always started with a gentle warmth suffusing the entirety of her upper body. Then, the heat narrowed, becoming focused towards the tips of her nipples which hardened to attention, becoming impossibly sensitive. And finally, and what seemed to confuse her the most, she could almost swear she could start to feel… hands, touching her, and caressing the sensitive skin of her aroused chest in a way she herself had never been able to copy. To that effect, whatever memory of what she’d been planning to say quickly vanished. Leaving her confused, bumbling, and quick to run away before the following humidity in her panties became even more of an issue.
It was… terrifying, but for Yang that wasn’t necessarily a bad thing.
Ever the adrenaline junky, that rush of blood, the tightness of the heart rate spiking, the sensation of cold sweat breaking across her forehead and palms, she lived for it. It’s the entire reason she decided to become huntsmen, besides looking out for her sister. Despite her better judgment, she couldn’t deny that what Jaune made her feel gave a very similar effect. To the point that she’d long since given up actually approaching him for answers, even if she hadn’t consciously noticed. But on those days she talked herself into approaching the boy, there was no denying that she did so with less and less intent on information. Instead, she sought out the pleasure only he seemed able to give her. Testing her limits in a way she’d never known. As impossible and maddening the very idea seemed.
Before she knew it, Yang could feel herself pressing her hips slightly harder against the classroom bench, the spot of heat at her core sparking to life of its own volition.
Hearing her friend fall silent Blake dared to allow herself to glance again in her direction. But seeing the hot flush beneath her cheeks, the heavy expression her eyes, the… lust, she felt her usually dull expression widening in silent surprise. And if ever she’d been able to deny the title of pervert because of her books, feeling her own pulse quicken and a warmth start in her crotch, Blake was forced to submit to her libido, the smallest of smiles only adding to her flushed expression hidden behind her romance novel.
School life really was the best…
xXx
Jaune arc couldn’t remember the last time he was this relaxed sitting in none other than Glynda Goodwitch’s classroom. Arms behind his head and a satisfied smile against his face, the battle arena below the halo of desks was usually enough to send a cold sweat along his thin frame. And yet, taking in a slow and even sigh, all he could do was think back to just the other day and grin.
He’d had sex. Hmmm, yep, it still sounded just as awesome after the hundredth time. He’d had sex little over twenty-four hours ago, and he couldn’t stop replaying the magical moment in his mind again and again.
The sturdy weight of his partner against his lap as she pushed him to the forest floor. The hazy look in her eyes as she stared at him. The sight of her glistening breast spilling over the top of her armor as she gasped with a desperate need for air. And of course, the sensation of her hand pulling him from his pants before finally lifting herself to drop back down and surrounding him her hot, wet opening all the way down to his base.
Not for the first time, Jaune felt a stirring in his pants at the memory. It had been even better than he ever imagined his first time unfolding, and he’d imagined it quite a bit since being struck by puberty. But never did he think he’d ever manage a woman as incredible as his partner. But then, that just further proved how far he could reach with his semblance.
Still leaning back in his chair, Jaune’s eyes wandered towards a pair of girls walking past his seat. In Glynda’s class, he was usually too anxious about getting picked to fight to do anything but worry. That was clearly no longer an issue, however, and with that freedom came the chance to appreciate the different kinds of battle attire on the many huntresses in his class. Not that they were overtly sexual, these were still professional huntresses; which meant their armor was actually meant to protect something. But free body range was an important part of combat, which meant a certain amount of skin was required, usually around the joints and collar. For him, this meant he was allowed an especially pleasurable view of short combat skirts and tightly fitted chest armor.
Before he could think about being subtle in his appreciation, he realized the two girls had caught him, one making an embarrassed blush while the other glared. But if they were expecting him to fumble, they would be taken even further by surprise when instead he winked, even smiling in their direction. Looking towards each other, the two young huntresses blinked before speeding up, no doubt wondering what had happened to the once meek teenager.
Jaune smiled to himself, actually happy to find out he was capable of that much confidence. Its like part of him had just awakened in losing his virginity. For better or for worse, he couldn’t say. But he’d certainly lost much of the moral conflict that had been staying his hand for so long. And rather than feel guilt realizing he’d slept with his partner, he found his focus shifting instead on how he could make it happen again.
The two girls took their seats, and Jaune finally tore his eyes away from their fit figures. Arena days used to be his worst nightmare, but there was definitely a benefit to everyone needing to show up in their fighting gear. To that point, Jaune turned his attention to a different girl seated further down his row leaning forward enough to show off a wonderful shelf of cleavage. And then another girl further down who’s bare shoulders teased him from behind long locks of warm brown hair. There were beautiful women all around him. And rather than feel intimidated or guilty like before, he found himself genuinely excited by the prospect of finding a new lover.
It didn’t help that had he the power to see as much of these girl’s as he wanted. And the temptation was strong. It would be too easy to slip back into his frozen world and just take a quick peek underneath a few of these desks. But, his mission hadn’t changed; and while there was much fun to be had, his focus remained on finding a girlfriend, someone he could care about and love and who would love him in return. It was easy to get lost in the fun of it all, but he thankfully hadn’t fallen so far. Rather, his desire to appreciate the female form only encouraged him to hurry up and find a partner. After all, the faster he found his girlfriend, the faster he could have sex again. And he wanted that very, very much.
Not the purest intentions to be sure. But neither was it any worse than ninety percent of his age and gender. But those were the benefits of youth. No one his age were looking for anything serious, usually. They were teenagers with what amounted to superpowers, all in great shape, and who were learning to be employed in the most dangerous profession known to Remnant. You couldn’t breed a more promiscuous environment if you slipped Viagra to a rabbit. All he was doing was looking forward to finally throwing his hat into that ring.
While Jaune continued to fantasize about his future girlfriend, more and more students spilled from the direction of the locker rooms to search for their seat. Time ticked away and the start of class continued to draw closer. It was only seconds before the bell sounded that a familiar red and bronze figure emerged from the female lockers. Quickly and gracefully rushing to the far end of the room as far from Jaune as the building allowed. This didn’t stop him from noticing, of course, prompting his mood to drop like a stone in a river.
Seeing his partner arrive, Jaune felt a myriad of conflicting emotions. The most prominent of which stood out as embarrassment. For, where he seemed to revel in the excitement of getting laid, his partner was having a markedly different reaction. Thinking back to the other day, he still felt his cheeks warm.
Walking back from the clearing, he’d still been slightly dazed. Students and the rest of beacon were already well on their way to starting the new day. The first thing he’d done upon returning was try and find his red-haired friend, naturally. Unfortunately, after a solid hour of wandering around campus and checking their dorm, he’d come up empty and with classes right around the corner. It was his first clue that things weren’t going as he’d expected. And he’d been forced to put his partner on hold until the school day was over. In the end, it would be much longer than that before he finally found his partner.
He looked in the library. He looked in the cafeteria through dinner. He even managed to talk Ruby into checking a number of bathrooms, all without success. By the time the sun began to set, real worry had started in his chest, tempting him to bring in even more help. Pulling his scroll from his pocket, however, Jaune jumped as it began to ring all on its own, only for a strangely worried Nora to speak from the other end. It was at that point he had to realize the fear that had been pooling in his stomach for the last hour. That the reason he couldn’t find his partner was that she was avoiding him.
Apparently, Pyrrha had asked team RWBY if they wouldn’t mind letting her spend the night in their dorm. This was, of course, his fault.
At the time it had made sense. To practice his powers on a girl he knew so well. He didn’t think about what would happen after. That their relationship could be affected by a little sexual tension. Especially on her end. But then, he hadn’t been expecting to end up having sex either. And now… now she probably thought he was in love with her or something. To the point that she felt like she needed to put space between them. Which did hurt.
It shouldn’t. He should be smarter than that. He should learn from his past mistakes. Unfortunately, despite knowing better, part of him had actually wondered if maybe his partner did like him a little.
Thinking back on how nice she had always been to him, the things she’d said in the forest, how desperately she’d jumped on him, he’d let his mind wonder. Maybe it didn’t need to be practice? Maybe he could try dating Pyrrha? But, of course, he learned he’d been wrong. She had just been nice like Pyrrha always was. And he’d let it get to his head, however briefly. And now she was even afraid to be around him, no doubt worrying he was about to propose just because they’d slept together. It was awkward and embarrassing and even worse, now his friends were getting dragged into his mistakes.
Suffice to say, nobody had slept well the other night trying to adjust to Blake in their room. Nothing against Blake, of course, but the absence of their champion left a hole in their group felt by everyone. Ren wasn’t that different, although there had been an anxious glint in his otherwise passive pink gaze. It was Nora, however, that was the most notable. Jaune never thought he’d see the orange haired girl as anything but energetic, but she’d gone the entire night in silence, sulking next to her best friend while shooting Jaune the most worried glances. Ironically, it seemed Blake had been the most comfortable in the stifling silence, reading her books in silence until it was time to turn off the lights.
Strangely enough, nobody even tried asking him what had happened. He could only guess Pyrrha had asked them not to pry, if she hadn’t just outright explained their situation. Which was a relief. But also a hindrance. It was nice that he didn’t need to worry about anyone making this even more embarrassing for him, but at the same time, it made it a lot harder to reassure his partner that he wasn’t trying to make her kindness out to be something more. And that was frustrating.
It was one thing to be rejected by a girl, but he felt like he’d lost a friend, and his partner. Pyrrha had always been by his side, ever since his first day at Beacon. And now she couldn’t even be in the same room as him. Wracking his brain, he’d only been able to come one way to fix everything. And, ironically enough, it didn’t really change much of his plan. How does he convince his friend that he doesn’t want to date her? Just get a different girlfriend.
Pyrrha had been the one to remind him that he had a whole school of huntresses to choose from. And if he can get a girl as beautiful as Pyrrha to have sex with him, he should be more than capable of getting anyone else to feel something as simple as attraction. Then it was up to the good ol’ Arc charm to reel them in. He would have a girlfriend, Pyrrha and him can go back to being friends, and also important, he might get the chance to have sex again.
Everything was going to be just fine…
xXx
While Jaune worried about relationships and his friends, actual teaching continued in the classroom despite his lack of attention. Glynda, or Ms. Goodwitch as most were used to calling her, stood at the floor of the auditorium, the dust enhanced arena at her back. She discussed the finer art of combat, including strategy and form. She discussed the heroes of old, and how they helped develop the martial arts and weaponry they used to that day. Of course, the students didn’t show up dressed for combat just because it was fun. And as the lecture portion of the day came to an end, it became time to start calling students into the ring to test their abilities.
A glance towards her clipboard and two names were called down to battle. Neither were exceptionally talented, but both showed notable improvement since their last bout. Paying attention to the angle of joints and decision making in the heat of battle, marks were made beneath each of their names that would total their grade for the day. Equally matched through most of the bout, eventually the one with greater reach was able to outmaneuver her opponent who could do nothing to land a blow with his clawed gauntlets against her spear. Seeing his aura drop into the red, she called the fight to an end before reading the next pair of students from her itinerary.
The process repeated a few times, and with each pair she watched their bout with a critical eye to see where they needed improvements. It helped that most students relished the opportunity to show off their strength in front of their peers. The crowd was just as rowdy to watch, nearly gladiatorial in they way they responded to the flashy shows of might. It was distasteful, but Glynda was resigned to their excitement, satisfied they were at least paying attention to this part of her class. Well, most of them, that is.
Glynda could feel irritation start in her brow as she looked up for the fifth time to see Jaune Arc utterly oblivious to the class around him. It seemed as though if he wasn’t staring off into space lost in thought than he was sending furtive glances towards the young women unfortunate enough to sit around him. Years of teaching teenagers had left the women with little patience when it came to the curse known as hormones. God knows how many young huntsmen she’d had to put up with more interested in flexing their muscles and trying to attract women then improving their abilities. With Arc though, she found herself particularly disappointed. Goodness knows he needed improvement more than anyone else in his year. The other huntsman might have been cocky egotistical beasts, but at least they’d had strength. Jaune though, she had never seen someone so underqualified so blatantly disrespectful of her classroom.
A glance towards her clipboard showed there was only enough time for one more fight before the class ended, and she’d already planned on a different pair. That said, it might good to remind her class what happened to those that failed to take their education seriously. While she considered this the current fight crawled to a finish, prompting her to call a winner as well as the final combatants. She’d made her decision.
“Jaune Arc,” her voice called out. He raised his head like a meerkat, blinking at the sudden attention. “I can only hope the reason you feel comfortable daydreaming in my classroom is because you’ve suddenly learned all I can teach in a single week?” He didn’t answer. “No? Well then, maybe you’ll be able to pay more attention to ring when you’re inside of it. Please retrieve your weapon and step forward, Mr. Arc.”
Glynda sighed, keeping a keen eye on the boy’s panicked expression. Rather, she would have, except he didn’t look panicked at all, just surprised. He looked around nervously, but after a moment grabbed his sword and shield before stepping forward without a word of complaint. There was a calmness about him the teacher hadn’t been expecting. This might be the first time she’d spoken to the boy without seeing him burst into a nervous sweat immediately afterward. Something was different about him. Of all the tools a Huntress can learn, instinct is the most important, and her’s was screaming… something. Nevertheless, she remained steadfast in her impassive stare, resigned to watch and see if the boy actually had something to put forward.
Of course, what was a challenger, without a challenge? As Jaune entered the ring, Glynda still had an opponent to choose. Clipboard forgotten, she looked at the blonde young man, before scanning the crowd to see who best could push him in the way she needed. Unfortunately, already seeing the woman in a poor mood, most shrunk back from her stare, unwilling or scared to stand in her focus. It wasn’t the first time her reputation had left its mark. But neither was she upset to see the first years recognize her authority.
That’s not to say Glynda Goodwitch was a cruel woman – if a bit strict at times. But over the years, her firm handed nature had created something of a reputation, which, admittedly, she did nothing to dissuade. If student gossip and other nonsense proved to help her in controlling the chaos that were arrogant first-year students, then all the better.
Fresh out of school with nothing but their peers and civilians to compare themselves to, it wasn’t strange for more than a few of the more talented crop to enter Beacon’s halls with more than a slightly inflated ego. Ms. Goodwitch simply took it upon herself to check them as soon as the opportunity presented itself. Her fellow faculty and headmaster had made it clear they weren’t up to the task. Better she do so quickly in the safety of a ring than allow them to discover how weak they really are when it might cost them their life, or worse, that of their teammate or partner.
And then there were cases like Jaune’s…
Her eyes narrowed slightly seeing the boy, his face impassive as he stared out at the crowd of peers without the usual anxiety and fear he usually presented. A note Glynda wasn’t sure how to address. Not to say that she held anything against the young man. At least, not personally. But from the first day he’d entered her class she’d known that, quite simply, he didn’t belong. Not as a hunter. Not as a fighter. Not as anyone who could actually do more than provide a brief snack to the nightmares that roamed their world.
How he got into her school, she had no idea. But, as much as she regretted it, such cases were not uncommon. She usually found at least one young man or woman who fit the same situation with each new year, if maybe not to such an extreme case as young Arc. People who, for lack of a better explanation, had been carried through the initiation that normally weeded out the weaker chaff. Being paired with none other than the invincible girl had certainly provided an opportunity for a boy as weak as he to fall into her class. Which led the good witch to face a more unpleasant task forced upon her position. Encouraging those that would not servive the profession of hunters to come to the same realization.
Once more, she is not a cruel woman. Nor does she enjoy killing the dreams of students. But she also knew the pain of being forced to send out children into situations that inevitably led to their deaths. And that is what they were, children. Take away the aura and flashy semblance and all you were left with were people too young, drawn into a life that fairytales told them would make them heroes. She would rather they see her as some cruel, emotionless monster than be forced to watch those same students one day walk off to their deaths. She was a teacher. But not all lessons were the same, or as gentle. And in that regard…
“Would Mr. Winchester please step forward.” The blonde teacher closed her eyes as she spoke, but otherwise showed no emotion as what many would call a bloodthirsty cheer rose up from the back of the class. To say she disapproved of the other young man would be an understatement. But for all of Cardin’s flaws, they were issues that could be worked out throughout his stay at Beacon. For now, his aggression and overbearing ego proved to stand as a point she hoped to teach Jaune. The strength required for a huntsman to stand on his own, and just how far the blond young man was from the rest of his year. Thankfully, Cardin never failed in his willingness to beat this lesson into Jaune’s frame time and time again.
Sooner or later he would understand that he couldn’t catch up and would leave of his own volition. Or, he might thrive in the tempered flames of pain and rise above what she’d come to know of him. It had happened before, though rare. And no one was happier to see such a development than her. After all, it was her job to see these young, ignorant faces and prepare them for a career that had notoriously led to unhappy futures. She could not protect and she could not coddle. Better they understand what they signed up for now than before it’s too late.
Cardin’s wide grin was mirrored by his team who only encouraged his attempt at intimidation. The rest of the class just rolled their eye at the display, seeing Cardin for the bully that he was. Much of the prior excitement quickly fled the room like a deflating balloon.
They all knew how this fight was going to go. The compassionate would say that Jaune put up a good fight while the indifferent would see it for the slaughter that it was. Unfortunately, Jaune didn’t have the strength to overpower the larger boy, nor the skill or speed to out whit him. Which basically resulted in watching the young man throw himself at a brick wall again and again until one of them broke. It wasn’t hard to bet on the winner. And what’s worse, they would have to put up with the ginger boy’s gloating for Oum knows how long. That’s not to say there wasn’t other’s in the crowd who enjoyed seeing Jaune flounder around the dirt field. They just knew how to be more subtle about it. The only exceptions that stood out from the crowd were the people who actually knew the young knight.
Notably, four faces in the crowd responded with more than the usual grim realization. Most conspicuously, none other than Weiss Schnee.
Normally so reserved and hidden within her own expressions, it was rare to see anything other her normally cold exterior. As of late, her team had gotten to watch that mask start to crack more and more as the young woman tried to hide the changes her evening with the blond boy had started. Like the catalyst to a chemical reaction. In private it was harder, but so far she’d managed to keep her indecision private outside of the dorm room. Until now. Because looking down at the center of the ring, she knew what she was about to see. Jaune hurt. Jaune humiliated. And afterward, she had little doubt he would continue to feel the effects of Cardin’s sadistic nature, falling into the familiar pattern of dejection and shame.
Her response to such moping had been indifferent up till this point. Either too uninterested in the blond boy to really care or too cold. It’s how she’d been raised, after all. If someone fell, it was because they were meant to fall. Only the strong can stand on their own, and anything less is your own fault for failing. But Weiss had been reconsidering much of what she’d thought to make perfect sense. And now she couldn’t shake off the sensation of empathy already infecting her with the worry she had little doubt existed behind the boy’s strong mask of calm.
Ruby wasn’t any less distraught, cheeks puffed in anxiety. More than used to knowing what it was like to be awkward and anxious, bullies were one of the few things that managed to itch under her perpetually inclusive and joyful exterior. She’d never had to worry much about that herself; the kids would have to be suicidal considering who her sister was. But that didn’t mean she never saw it happen to others. Pulling on her hood, she could only look away, hoping that she would be able to cheer him up when it was over.
And finally, Yang’s face stood out in the crowd of unease and pity. Whereas others simply felt bad for the weak young man, her purple eyes flashed with the familiar fire that threatened any who harm those she considered hers. For a girl as free and flighty, labels really did matter little. Her friend, her sister, her partner, her boyfriend. They all boiled down to her’s in the end. And without even realizing she’d slowly started to recognize Jaune as such. He was her confusion, her favorite to tease, her guilty pleasure.
She’d always felt bad for her sister’s friend getting bullied, but never enough to actually get involved. Now, however, without even realizing it she found herself set on memorizing just what this Cardin jerk managed to do to her friend so after class she could find him and settle this bullshit hazing crap once and for all.
Three girls, all of them his friends, and all of them caring for him in ways they couldn’t understand in their own ways. But despite their best intentions, each of them committed the same sin as the rest of their classroom. Each of them had already accepted the fact that he would lose. All except one.
Everyone looked at Jaune’s clenched fists and blank expression and saw the fear, the pain yet to come, someone too weak to do anything but survive until it was over. But Pyrrha knew better. Eyes on her lap, she listened to the quiet murmuring of those around her, each already preparing their condolences for the young man. She’d done everything in her power to avoid looking at the boy she loved, terrified of what she would see after what she did the other day. But for this one moment, she couldn’t resist, no matter the consequences.
She forced her eye to look up and stare into his eyes. And in the deep blue color, she did not see fear. She did not see pain. She did not see weakness. Rather, glancing down to his rigid posture and the fire burning within, she could only see something in Jaune she’d never seen before. Anticipation. So many times in this class she’d bowed her head sending a silent prayer to whoever would listen to give Jaune strength. So many times she had to watch him get beaten and humiliated despite knowing he worked harder than anyone just to catch up. But not this time. Pyrrha had the pleasure of being the only one in the class to know what was about to happen. And as she lowered her head once more, Jaune’s name wasn’t on her lips. But Cardin’s. He would need all the help he could get.
And Pyrrha was not wrong in her assessment. Rather, standing in the ring of desks and students, Jaune found himself genuinely excited for what was about to happen. That first day, that first punch he’d delivered to Cardin’s jaw, it had felt good. It’d hurt too, damn had it hurt. But instead of the usual accompanying shame, he’d been able to get his first taste of pride. He’d sworn to himself after that that he’d leave the red-haired boy alone. Or, at least that he wouldn’t go out of his way to hurt him. Just as long as Jaune didn’t see him hurting anyone else. And he’d actually managed to keep that promise. Cardin still came looking for him, oh boy did he come looking. But being able to freeze time made it all most too easy to escape whatever ambushes the mace-wielding Neanderthal had planned up with his team.
Unfortunately, it seemed without Cardin’s favorite punching bag, his already short temper had begun to build, growing more and more frustrated each time he found himself inexplicably outsmarted by the weakest huntsman in the school. Which is why, watching Cardin step into the ring, grin as wide his ego, Jaune felt his own excitement spike. His warrior spirit finally emerging. Not that he let it show. Oh, no. He did nothing to betray his audience’s surprise that was about to unfold. Because despite his new power, and despite how good this was about to feel. Jaune arc, still, was nothing if not a showman.
He’d been wondering about exposing his power to more people after how well it had gone with Pyrrha. Not like this, exactly. Nor did he plan for it to be in front of so many people at once. That said, he wasn’t about to get his face punched in by this jerk again. Besides, somehow, something just felt right about Cardin being the one to mark the start of legacy into legend.
With his opponent’s arrival, the duel was ready to begin as they stood on opposite ends. Both young men wreathed in armor the two couldn’t have seemed more different as Cardin’s towering form stood in the perfect image of a knight in full shining armor. In comparison, Jaune could hardly compete. With his small shield, simple sword, and flimsy metal plates he called guards. To anyone unaware of the situation, they might think this an execution of some sort. And you know what? They would be right.
“No running away this time you scrawny coward,” Cardin called out for all to hear. His mace felt heavy in his hand, perfect for crashing over the nerd’s head. Still Jaune said nothing, much to Cardin’s Annoyance. “What’s wrong, too scared to even speak? This is going to be the easiest fight yet.”
Goodwitch called the young men to walk to their end of the field where Cardin prepared his charge, looking like a bull threatening to burst from his pen. In contrast, Jaune didn’t even bother to raise his shield, his eyes hot as he met Cardin’s gaze without flinching. With class quickly drawing to an end, Ms. Goodwitch raised her crop and the electric display above registered the two men’s auras as full. The match began as she suddenly chopped it down, thus allowing the red-haired young man to run at Jaune with all his speed, barreling towards his thinner frame like a train threatening to run down a lemonade stand.
The packed dirt crunched beneath his metal boots. The air in his lungs turned hot with each exhale, burning his nose on every breath. Screw dragging it out. Screw stopping at red. He wanted to crush the weakling in one single blow. He was going to take his mace and break it across Jaune’s knee. And that’s if the momentum of his heavy figure and even heavier armor didn’t just reduce the young man to a hole in the wall. The picture amused Cardin. Enough that he even managed to laugh as he raised his prized weapon above his head, a little too curious to see if aura could stop a femur from cracking.
The sound carried with him the entire way, a terrifying sight to be sure. But Jaune continued to appear nonplused, simply waiting for the boy to arrive with the same ease as though he were simply waiting for the next bulkhead to arrive. Cardin promised himself he would knock the stupid expression right from the blond’s face. Twenty feet, ten feet, five feet, he could almost taste the pleasure of asserting his strength. So, you can imagine Cardin’s surprise when, just as his biceps flexed and he began to bring his weapon down, Jaune simply… vanished.
Cardin didn’t even have enough time to react. His swing followed through empty space and continued downward throwing his entire balance off. Combined with his speed and mass, there was nothing he could do to keep from falling to the floor. The phrase, the bigger they are… certainly came to mind as the crash followed throughout the room leaving Cardin to just lay on the floor for a moment and wince as more of his aura absorbed the impact. Above the arena, Cardin’s display reflected that damage for all to see. Totaling more in that single move than Jaune had been able to take from the other boy in all of his other bouts combined.
Silence stretched out the impossible moment as everyone in the room blinked at the sudden shift in mood. Every person watching seemed to notice separately, turning their eye from the picture of Cardin rising from the dirt to look for Jaune, only to see he appeared a good fifteen feet from where they had last seen him. Doing their best to remember if they’d seen him jump out of the way, suddenly the number of teenagers who brushed the fight off leaned forward to get a better look.
“Loser,” Cardin’s eyes flashed dangerously as he felt a number of bruises pang along his hip and shoulder where he’d done his best to take the brunt of his weight. Thankfully, most, if not all, of the pain was drown out by the newfound anger burning in his chest. His mocking grin took on a dangerous edge as he turned to face his mark, the grip on his mace tightening ever so slightly. “you escaped death once, let’s see if you get that lucky twice.” He charged forward without another thought, the possibility that there was more to Jaune’s cool expression not even rising to the surface.
This time people were paying attention as Cardin charged the blond boy once more. Like last time, he seemed to be relying on his brute strength, raising his mace high as his larger frame quickly seemed to dwarf the other boy. And like last time, Jaune didn’t even seem to notice he was in a fight, casually standing with his posture relaxed and shield and sword lazily left at his sides. Heartbeats passed and each moment the class waited for Jaune to get ready to jump out of the way, and each time they were disappointed. Finally, at the last moment, the children and teacher were left to stare in amazement as he simply vanished once again.
There was no mistaking his sudden disappearance this time. Eyes widened and a small gasp sounded from the back row. But scanning the small ring for only a moment, the many pairs of eyes quickly found the young man once again watching his opponent from across the room, appearing as though he hadn’t even a taken a step. “What?” and “Woah!” and other such expletives quickly began to rise as disbelief began to make its way throughout the crowd. Suffice to say, Jaune’s little performance had more than earned their attention. And he couldn’t be happier.
Jaune took a deep breath, fighting the smile threatening his face with every ounce of his strength. He could hear the small buzz of conversation starting around him, each in wonder at what he was doing and how he was doing it. He didn’t even need to look to know the entire room was amazed and staring at him in wonder. A fact that left him with a distinctly alien perception of himself, despite chasing it his entire life.
He… felt… cool.
He stood in the ring with Cardin without so much as a drop of sweat on his brow. If he hadn’t fought with Pyrrha, he might have been slightly nervous. But knowing he’d been able to push his partner so far without even trying to actually fight her, he found a kind of confidence most would call cocky stirring in his breast. The only difference was, cocky meant there was a chance for his pride to come back and bite him in the ass. And right now, Jaune was invincible. It showed in every step as he began to walk a casual circumference around his opponent, his cool expression cracking just enough for a smirk to come to life. “Wanna try for three?” Jaune taunted, the first words he’d spoken since Glynda had called him down; actually taunting the boy who’d done nothing but make his life a living hell.
The boy who had singled him out on the first day as easy prey. The boy who helped make sure the entire school knew how week he was. The boy who loved to prove his own strength by picking on the small. If ever had there been doubts of exposing his power, they ended as soon as he saw the look on his tormentor’s face in this moment. Rather, he would use Carden the same way the ginger boy had used him; as his stage to reveal the new Jaune Arc in front of everyone. The strong Jaune. The competent Jaune. And what better way to begin his new life than crushing the demons of his old?
Of course, Jaune might say that but he wasn’t so cruel as to hurt Carden. But some might say he was worse than that. It would be simple and easy to just freeze time and wail on the other boy until his aura was nothing. But Jaune wasn’t nearly as forgiving as most people most likely thought. He wouldn’t seriously hurt the bully, but he would drag this out as long as he could. He would give the larger boy the exact taste of medicine Jaune had been forced to swallow for months. And good, simple Cardin was all too happy to fall into his trap.
Jaune continued enjoyed himself, playing Cardin’s temper against him in a kind of teleportation bullfighting. Each time he vanished just as the larger boy seemed close enough to grab him only to appear at the other side of the arena. Much in the same type of exhausting exercise he’d tried on his partner. However, unlike his partner, Cardin wasn’t nearly smart enough to learn Jaune’s pattern. Or to even think to try. Early development and a naturally muscular form had conditioned the young man to break through any obstacle in his path, rather than find an easier solution. And for the most part, his strength had been enough that such a strategy worked. But for all his pride, raw power could only take a single human so far. It was almost funny. Ms. Goodwitch had paired the two young men together in hopes of teaching Jaune a lesson. But no one could have guessed that it would be Cardin getting schooled.
Speaking of the dower teacher, there were very few things in her time teaching at beacon that had shocked the woman enough to shake her iron visage and cold blue gaze. And yet, watching Jaune jump around the room, in and out of reality, Glynda found her expression wide, the light pink color of her lips parted in amazement at the impossible change of events. She hardly even noticed the other student’s whispers and gasps of amazement, far too focused on the semblance that had stumbled into her class. The analytical piece of her brain struggled to make sense of the scene while the rest of her was content to just watch, as wrapped up in the show as everyone else in the room.
Jump! Too slow.
Leap! Try again.
Skip! Ohh… kinda glad no one saw him skip. Feeling carried away, heat rose to his cheeks, and Jaune had to stop a moment to collect himself. Thankfully, he had time.
He took a deep breath in the void that was his own world. Sound, warmth, and even color was all muted despite the cacophony displayed around him. Whereas before he was greeted with embarrassment and shame from his classmates, those same faces were alight with unbridled excitement at the show he put on. Everyone loved an underdog story. And what could he be called but anything else? Closing his eyes, he allowed himself to just soak the moment in. Free to enjoy it for as long as he wanted.
And enjoy it he did. Feeling pride in his chest, he could still hear the excitement his semblance cut short roaring around him. His classmates loved everything he was doing. And more specifically, the female half of the class seemed particularly amazed. Turning back to the crowd, he couldn’t help but grin at the wide smiles from the same girl’s who hadn’t even looked in his direction before class. Not all of them were so easily impressed, but he could see enough excitement in their motionless eyes to recognize an opportunity when it came. He had little doubt it would only take a small amount of time freezing coaxing on his part to push that excitement into something more. And by the end of the day, the entire school will have heard about his fight.
And it wasn’t just strangers. His friends were also quite animated, despite the drama of the other night. Nora was standing out of her seat, a glorious and blood hungry grin on her lips as she cheered him on. Ren’s response was more subdued, but the wide expression of his pink eyes was exclamation enough for the quiet boy. Even Team RWBY added to the noise, Ruby and Yang the most vocal. He couldn’t help but laugh at the raw joy on Ruby’s innocent expression. But it was her sister that seemed the most impressed. Grinning from ear to ear, her fist was frozen in the air mid-cheer. For him! Knowing he’d even managed to impress the blond boxer, Jaune felt his cheeks warm. Finally feeling like he’d been recognized.
Unfortunately, Cardin wasn’t having as fun a time. A quick glance in his direction and Jaune could see a thick layer of dirt and sweat marking an otherwise infuriated expression. Pulled taut over his broad features and square jaw, the boy’s face was etched into an enraged grimace, teeth locked to the point of cracking as his rage continued to mount. He was like an animal, attacking again and again with all the mind of an Ursa. And for the first time, Jaune was able to look at his bully and see him for what he really was. Weak. The unbeatable monster Cardin had worked so hard to build himself up as suddenly vanished. Leaving only a little boy with shiny armor and a very heavy stick. And on that note, Jaune figured it was time to end this.
He started time watching Cardin charge through the space he’d been standing only to release a frustrated howl upon realizing the smaller blond boy had vanished yet again. He whipped around without another thought, exhaustion stealing his thoughts as much as the anger coursing through his veins. And yet he continued to attack, a halfhearted battle cry bubbling from his chest even as he panted for breath. Stumbling for a step, Cardin charged forward yet again. Struggling to even raise his mace anymore as his speed fell to a brisk walk. Everyone could see that he’d already been defeated. Everyone but himself.
He reached Jaune, only to blink when the young man remained. Desperation fueling his action, Cardin did his best to capitalize on the opportunity, putting whatever was left of his stamina into a vicious swing of his mace. The metal shape flew through the air at a half-hearted speed. One Jaune was able to dodge even without the use of his semblance. Missing by a mile, Cardin finally fell to a knee, wracking breaths shuddering through his chest as he struggled to catch his breath. And all the while, Jaune just stood above him, proud, powerful, and untouched.
“This is the part where you lose,” was all he said, his voice even and without strain. The very same words Cardin loved to use against him. The humiliation of the suggestion was not lost on the ginger as he glared upwards, his eyes threatening to bulge out of his head. But Jaune simply continued, “yield.”
These battles typically ended in one of three ways. Either one person’s aura fell below a certain point, they were knocked unconscious, or they were forced to give up. And Cardin, for all his strain, hadn’t actually been touched, leaving his aura nearly full if not for his first charge into the floor.
Technically, Glynda could call a match whenever she saw fit. Such as a student about to be harmed passed what was deemed necessary for training. But she was not the type of woman to unnecessarily coddle students. These battles were meant to simulate real battle experience. And in real battles, no one could expect someone to step in and save you. Sans any type of maiming or other permanent damage, she made it clear she would not step in. Leaving the students to be as cruel or kind as they liked so long as none of the three criteria were met. But to yield here, and to Jaune, whatever respect Cardin imagined he’d earned at school would immediately be forfeit. And for a boy who had little else, the answer was obvious. He stood back up, clamping a fist over the quivering in his knees before shouldering his mace to charge again.
His small break had helped him catch his breath a little… but not a lot. Each attack still lashed out as though he was underwater, slow and easy to track. This didn’t stop him from trying though, chaining each attack into the next in the hopes of overwhelming the smug blond opponent. Unfortunately, dodging and running away might have been Jaune’s greatest strength even before he gained his new powers.
Rather than wear him down, Cardin quickly found himself stumbling after the blond with wide swinging arcs followed by guttural grunts as the last of his strength was spent. It was only the edge of the ring that kept him going, growing closer with each step. He convinced himself that if he could only pin the bastard there, he could land a hit and finish the weakling once and for all. The only thing he saw was his own victory. It was all that mattered. Which in of itself was just another flaw for Jaune to exploit. Which he did, generously.
Jaune was all too aware of the approaching barrier, using it as bait to attract even more attacks from the rampaging bully. It was to be his big finish, a flourish for everyone to remember as he defeated Cardin without even touching him. Instead, the overgrown brute was going to take himself out. Which is why, hearing the dust powered shield humming at his back, the blond knight allowed his eyes to widen in a feint of shock. He might as well have opened a vein in shark-infested waters. Cardin jumped on the opportunity, shifting his bulk forward so his mass could make up for the tremors in his biceps. He managed this just in time for Jaune’s image to flash out of reality.
Suddenly, the large young man’s weight was against him as he stumbled forward, the warn muscle of his legs no longer able to support him as he flew towards the wall. Or, he would have, if both young men hadn’t failed to remember the third person inside the arena. And rather than fall forward and earn a moth full of wall, like Jaune had intended, Cardin found himself landing on something just a bit… softer.
It wasn’t easy to catch Ms. Goodwitch unaware, much less when she was responsible for policing a fight directly in front of her. Unfortunately, Jaune’s little reveal had forced her attention elsewhere, namely, the data pad that better detailed the aura levels of the two young men. As soon as she’d managed to pull her eyes away from Jaune’s power, she’d immediately moved to better inspect what the room watched. And what she found was… odd.
It wasn’t speed. There were no after images, nor were there any streaks to be found left by the video feed. Running the stream frame by frame, she was forced into amazement as Jaune’s body literally vanished, no fading out or other such markers. And as if that wasn’t strange enough, a particularly confusing note was brought to her attention as she watched Jaune’s aura tick down throughout the battle. Not by a lot, mind you. Hardly even noticeable if not for the percentages displayed in her view. But sure enough, with each teleportation, she found the smallest fraction of aura being displaced.
A semblance that hurt its user? Such a thing shouldn’t be possible. It was a part of him. An extension of his soul. But then, it was possible that it was simply more of a backlash. Exceptionally powerful semblances were known to come with drawbacks, after all. Either because they couldn’t be controlled and ended up inadvertently dangerous, or an aspect of their abilities was inherently negative. A certain crow’s bad luck being just one example. Whatever the case, Jaune’s semblance was certainly powerful enough to fit into either category. A notion Glynda certainly never imagined herself considering. But then, this young man was just full of surprises today, wasn’t he?
The thought forced her to look up and consider the boy in question. Her already hard gaze tightened further, becoming almost sharp in her scrutiny of just how such a thing could have developed so suddenly. It was rare that her assessment of student abilities could be so far off. But then, how could she have imagined such a development? Feeling her lips pinch into a line, she watched his movements dodging Cardin’s attacks and still found him wanting in nearly every category of a huntsman. Slow, uncoordinated and just… weak. But in light of new information, she couldn’t deny her earlier assessment was no longer applicable.
Yes, he was weak, but there was potential now. Enough that… perhaps the capable good finally outweighed the inevitable death she’d assumed awaited his first foray into real combat without his friends by his side. He would still need to be trained. Trained hard. Hard enough to catch up with his fellow classmates. But supplementing his afternoons with remedial exercises, she felt confident she had the discipline necessary to whip the boy into shape. It was as she considered how to plan out his additional curriculum that her mind began to wander, coming back only as two hundred pounds of muscled, sweating, gasping teenage boy crashed against her shape sending them both to the ground.
The impact was jarring, but Glynda wasn’t a huntress for nothing. Rather than dazed, she found herself staring towards the ceiling in irritation, as the ripe stench of a sweaty, dirty, teenage boy rested on top of her. A situation she was not particularly happy to find herself in considering how much she already had to deal with the ever-flowing sea of adolescent hormones. It certainly didn’t help that Cardin’s face had inadvertently fallen to land in the cushion of her breasts.
The room’s busting excitement was cut off as soon as they watched their teacher fall. None wanting to be the one to break the silence and earn the blonde teacher’s inevitable foul temper. Even Jaune reacted, his joyful finish cut short as soon as he realized his mistake. His good mood turned to horror, blood draining from his face at what he saw. Well, being cool had been nice while he was alive…
His fear continued as it appeared Cardin wasn’t about to get up on his own. Ms. Goodwitch didn’t hesitate to help him along, her semblance coming to life as the boy's limp body rose into the air only to be casually tossed with a simple flick of her wrist. Rising back to her feet, Glynda purposefully avoided anybody’s eyes, looking at herself instead.
Suffice to say, the front of her blouse was distastefully stained. Sweat, drool, and dirt mixing into a dark splotch. Even worse, Glynda could still smell the boys sweat lingering in her clothes. Years of working around those in the cusp of puberty had sharpened her nose to the scent. Before she could help herself, her lips tightened into a dissatisfied grimace. And against her already cool expression, she managed to strike a particularly intimidating picture.
When she turned to face Jaune, any pride on his part quickly fled. And suddenly he was the same quivering boy he’d arrived as. Reality altering powers or no. Thankfully, she didn’t linger on his shaken figure for long. Choosing instead to calm herself, closing her eyes and taking a long slow breath. When the crystal blue orbs finally opened, she turned her attention on the rest of the class, none of which dared breathe out of turn.
“Mr. Arc, that was an impressive display, and I’m sure the class would like to congratulate you on unlocking your semblance. However, please keep in mind that relying too heavily on one type of attack leaves you vulnerable to those smart or fast enough to react. That said…” she hesitated turning to look at him. And staring back, for the first time since arriving at beacon Jaune found something in her expression other than terror. “Good work.” It wasn’t much, but it was something. The first kind thing she’d ever said to him, actually. Jaune just stood there, blinking at the words until his mind finally caught up with him enough to remember the need to reply.
“Thank you!” he quickly exclaimed.
Glynda just nodded before addressing the class once again. “That will be all for today. Please hurry and change before your next class. And remember, Tomorrow is the day out class has been permitted to visit the Forever Fall forests. While nothing we cannot handle, Grimm are known to wander it's territory so please bring your weapons and dress appropriately. Otherwise, class dismissed.”
Not a moment later the students milling about the stands quickly stood to start towards the locker rooms to change and get ready for the rest of their classes. And finally free from the formality of class, the hushed whispered burst forth into full conversation as the small crowd was allowed to speak of what they’d just seen, a low roar that followed down both paths as the two genders quickly separated to their corresponding locker rooms. All except for Team CRDL who rushed to the aid of their once proud leader, doing their best to wake him up.
“A moment, Mr. Arc.” Jaune stopped dead hearing Ms. Goodwitch call his came. Turning from the group of boys, he looked for any of the cold fire he’d come to fear from the older woman. Thankfully, she’d apparently calmed some and broached him with her usual professional distance. “I won’t keep you long. I’m sure you're looking forward to a shower. But on your way to your next class, I would appreciate it if you’d come speak to me in my office.” she didn’t bother elaborating, and Jaune wasn’t stupid enough to try and get more. Rather, he just nodded his head, even the thought of doing anything but what she said unable to form. She nodded him past to the lockers, which was good considering the small group just waiting for him to approach.
“Jaune, that was so cool!” Said blond hardly made it four steps before a tiny figure launched herself into him. Her face was stretched into a comically large smile, bell-like laughter peeling as she congratulated her friend. Literally jumping into his arms, Jaune caught Ruby without thinking, his own smile coming back to life as her arms wrapped around his neck. She wouldn’t even think about her actions until she suddenly found herself pressed against his body. Light as a feather, he just laughed at her excitement, not noticing the sudden flush in her cheeks as he looked up to see the rest of their teams slowly approaching.
Yang headed the group, her grin almost as large as her sisters as she approached the pair. The rest of his friends followed close by. With a start, Jaune’s eyes widened at the sight of Pyrrha standing nervously towards the back of the group. He was surprised, and then anxious, wondering if she was still afraid to be around them. But then she smiled, a small smile, and one that didn’t quite reach her eyes, but in that small moment she’d managed to look up and meet his eyes. He could see, despite everything, that she was still proud of him like the rest of their friends. Which, even if only a little, gave him hope that things wouldn’t stay this strained between them forever.
Jaune wasn’t the only one to notice Pyrrha’s presents. And Combined with the excitement of his reveal, it was like nothing had ever been wrong as the group of teenagers grinned and rushed to approach him. Hands on her hips, Yang shook her head, a dry chuckle slipping free. “Geez, and people say I’m flashy.” She couldn’t help point out, “quite the show you put on there. Just how long have you been hiding that little trick?” It was the most obvious question in the group, and most everyone was eager to hear the answer. Thankfully, Jaune had been expecting it.
Revealing his powers, or at least part of them to the class hadn’t been something he’d planned on that day. However, the subject of how to tell his friends and teachers had been on his mind since he first discovered his powers. His… experiments had slowed down that goal as he quickly learned the benefits to keeping his mouth shut for a while, but his foray with Pyrrha had shown him yet another alternative. This way he was allowed the best of both worlds, free to enjoy the popularity he’d always craved while still keeping the finer truths to himself. Teleportation might not be as amazing as the power to stop time, but his classmates still seemed impressed. And to prove this point, Jaune had to turn and look as a number of students patted him on the back as they made their way past the group. Jaune smiled at the attention before turning back to his friend’s and shrugging.
“a few days,” he admitted, a boyish smirk showing he knew exactly what he was doing. If anything, his response only earned more raised eyebrows as the two teams saw a side of him rarely seen. Many found their joyful expressions widening. While always nice and mild-mannered, it was a refreshing change to see their friend free from the usual self-deprecation and embarrassment. Even more than his power, the group of teenagers were proud to see him so confident in himself. It suited him well. And more than a few couldn’t help but notice.
Rather than hunched and defensive, his posture stood tall and relaxed. Eyes that used to jump around the room stared back with ease, allowing them to enjoy the crystal blue hue that few could naturally claim. Even his voice, while still slightly higher pitched than most would call pleasant, appeared free from the nervous stutter that broke up his sentences in the past. Yang especially blinked at the change, her smile wavering for just a moment as she found herself suddenly… nervous? She blinked at the thought, sure that there must be some other name for the anxious energy suddenly set in the pit of her stomach.
“You might actually survive a real fight for a second or two. How about it Arc, think your little trick is enough to take me on?” She blustered, falling back on her usual bravado and confidence in her strength. Unfortunately, rather than back down or start to sweat like she was used to exploiting, the young man’s eyes seemed to come alive at the idea, almost as though he were eager at the opportunity. Even more surprising, although Yang forced herself to believe it was a trick of the light, she could almost swear his eyes had dropped… lower for a moment, just before his smile opened to reply.
“Time and place, Xiao Long,” he all but dared, his voice unconsciously dropping an octave as arousal slipped into the words. Close enough to already be affected by his presence, his tone sent a shaper thrill between her legs that had Yang’s cheeks flushing a light pink. Violet eyes wide, all she could do was force a laugh, entirely unable to tell if he’d intentionally flirted, or if her own oversexed mind was finally turning on her. Days of constant arousal in his presence had already started her perception of the boy in another direction, however. And seeing him suddenly so tall… Yang found herself doing something she rarely ever practiced and quietly found herself shrinking towards the back of the crowd, away from any attention. Nora didn’t hesitate to take her place, letting Jaune know she expected her own match. To which he just laughed, happily replying that he was excited to actually stand a chance for once.
One step followed the next until, finally, she was at the back of the crowd, free to just breathe. She’d been a little too bold, allowing herself to step just within the range she’d found of Jaune’s effect on her body. It was impossibly strange, not to mention difficult walking up to a guy and trying to act naturally as her breasts started to warm and grow aroused of their own volition.
To say her thoughts felt somewhat scrambled went without saying. But seeing Jaune give back a little bit had been an unexpected treat. She’d run away before she’d actually had the chance to see if there was any more where that sultry look had come from. But that was the difference that mattered. She was actually curious enough to want to see; an accomplishment few men had managed to meet in her eyes. Her tendency to tease was well known, after all. And she found, the only thing more enjoyable was finding someone who could actually give back as good as she gave.
Lately, it seemed the more time she spent around Jaune, the more she found herself enjoying the once awkward boy’s company. A prospect that would have sent her to tears from laughter had she even considered it only a week ago. But as more days past she was finding it harder and harder to keep up the pretense of uninterest or innocent teasing. Feeling her heart flutter, Yang took advantage of her position at the back of their group and allowed a hand to raise up and brush the pronounced curve of her bust. The sensitive shape tingled at the attention, the sensations focusing towards the puckered center sticking out of each orb. How much longer would she be able to resist? She found herself wondering more and more as of late. And more importantly, did she even want to?
To Yang’s credit, she wasn’t the only one affected on some level. Weiss for instance, found herself in a very similar situation appreciating his slim figure and strong expression as their little group continued to talk. Unlike Yang, she knew better than to get too close, and hung back in silence, allowing her cold demeanor to do its job, allowing her to seem far less interested than she was. She already knew the danger of Jaune’s proximity and lacked the masochistic thrill that seemed to drive her blonde teammate to constantly test her limits.
Her conflict over her feelings were already well considered. And the fact that they were for someone so below her usual standards was only more of a strain. But for a girl looking for any excuse to explain her fixation, it was almost a relief to stumble upon this sudden revelation. After all, better to say she was interested in a hunter with perhaps one of the strongest semblances in the four kingdoms then simply Jaune Arc, a boy that made her need to frequently change her underwear. As much as she was struggling to distance herself lately from the ideologies of her family, it still felt good to know your prospective love interest had a respectable future ahead of them. The part of her that still hungered for excellence couldn’t help but appreciate the young man’s sudden prospects.
Even young Ruby found herself drawn to the young man in a way she’d never experienced. The hug hadn’t helped, effectively scrambling what little sense she’d been able to make of herself lately. And rather than embarrass herself further, all she’d been able to do was slowly untangle her fingers from around his neck and slink back to the floor, face alight like the color of her namesake. Thankfully everyone’s attention remained focused on the man of the hour, allowing her to silently contemplate why she kept remembering the sensation of his flat stomach against hers…?
Thankfully, not everyone in their teams was as distracted. Most still had their minds free from their libido. Nora was especially exuberant, going so far as to personally recount Jaune’s battle in her own special… special way.
“and then you were all, zup! Fwap! Flash! Gone and that dumb Cardin was like, ‘whre’d e’ go?’ and then you when all, ‘this is the part where you lose,’ hahaha!” It was amusing to say the least. She even went through the trouble of voicing Cardin and his lines, although most of them seemed to be made up. It was hard not to laugh hearing her caricature-esq mocking rendition of Cardin’s voice. She even made Jaune sound kind of cool.
“Ah! That was awesome. Jaune! I’ve been waiting to see you kick his ass for so long!” she cheered, pumping her fists overhead. “I mean, I could have done with a bit more leg breaking, personally, but other than that, A-plus.” She offered a thumbs up. “Hope you don’t have anything else planned today, cuz you can bet your gonna give us the full story. I can’t believe you’ve been keeping this a secret!”
“It was unexpected,” Ren agreed coolly. “Although, I suppose that is the point of a surprise.”
“Makes you wonder what other kinds of secrets you have hidden away,” Blake hummed.
Coughing at the last bit, Jaune just forced a chuckle before responding. “It wasn’t easy, but ah, what can I say? It was worth the wait if I do say so myself.” Smirking a bit, more people walking by offered their congratulatory comments on their way to the lockers. “you guys had no idea how much I wanted to tell you. But… its taken me a while to control it. And if I was going to give my friends a show, I might as well make it a good one, hmm?” He chuckled, wondering if his lies sounded convincing. The way Blake was looking at him was more than a little unnerving. Thankfully, the rest of his friends seemed happy to be proud of him, with even Weiss speaking up from a safe distance.
“I suppose it was at least interesting.” She agreed, making it a point avoid looking at him lest her pale skin give her feelings away. Although, she couldn’t help a quick glance, only to feel her heart flutter seeing him looking right at her. “T-That is, it was nice to see you capable for once. And to finally shut that ignoramus up.” Her words came out faster, rushed. She dared another peak and could see him smiling even wider. That dammed heat quickly rose up her neck and into her cheeks, forcing her glare at the far wall. “But don’t get ahead of yourself! Let’s see you fight someone with a brain larger than a walnut before you start patting yourself on the back!” Huffing, she didn’t dare risk another glance, already knowing he was still smiling that damned smile at her.
“Thanks, Weiss,” Jaune was indeed still smiling, marveling that even his favorite ice queen couldn’t help but be happy for him.
The next few minutes went on like this, with his friends asking questions and him doing his best to answer. How did it work? How much could he teleport? How fast? How far? Could he take anyone with him? And so on and so forth until a very obvious stare from Ms. Goodwitch as she walked passed urged them to hurry into the Locker rooms before they ran out of time. Even if they hadn’t had a chance to fight, they still needed to change out of their gear and into their uniforms.
“Nora, we’ll have all day to interrogate him. Don’t worry; you’ll get your chance.” Yang promised, literally dragging the girl in question towards the designated archway. Not that the redhead was making it easy.
“Awwwww!” Nora wined in disappointment, but managed to stop actively struggling. The rest of the girls were following after the pair, waving as they went to the pair of boys left behind.
“And don’t even think about running away!” the blonde called over her shoulder.
“You think, ah, you think she was serious about wanting to fight me?” Jaune nervously asked Ren. The girls finally disappeared, allowing Ren to give his friend a quiet look explaining just how screwed he really was.
“That’s the price of being popular, I suppose.” Ren offered with little condolences. Considering the effort his leader had went just to show off, it was hard to feel bad for him for whatever attention he gained. It was at that moment two girls that had been hanging at the back of class walked passed the pair, a deliberate move if their obvious stares and not so subtle winks said anything. It was with a thrilling realization that Jaune recognized the pair as the same girl’s he’d been eyeing at the start of class. Only now they seemed much more receptive than before. Jaune couldn’t help but smile back at the pair, excited to see that part of his plan seemed to be working out as well. “of all kinds,” Ren continued in a dry tone, following Jaune’s gaze to the girls as they walked towards the locker rooms.
Jaune had stopped listening, of course, distracted by the pair of scantily clad huntresses as they made an effort to draw his attention to their hips. Combat skirts really were the best.
Jaune’s heart leaped in his chest. This was going to be even easier than he thought! Which made sense. Women liked men who were strong. Who were reliable. Who they could depend on. Which he now was. It all seemed so simple in hindsight. He might not even need to stop time to get what he wanted. Not that the idea wasn’t still tempting. Watching them leave, he stared at their bare thighs as far up as he could go before hitting clothes. And that only made him want to see underneath even more. He was officially a pervert. But then, he’d been struggling to accept that fact for a while now.
Ever since he’d talked himself into peaking in his two teammates. As much as he wanted to be the good guy, to say he was doing all of this because he had to… the truth was that he wanted to. And that was okay. It was just like Yang said when she helped set him on this path. He was given this power to help hundreds and thousands of people. And he was going to. Happily. So, what did it matter if he used it to enjoy himself on his off time? He liked women, loved women. And now that he knew what kind of pleasure their bodies were capable of giving, he found his interest reaching a new level. He might never be the pure, shining knight his mother told him about as a child, but that didn’t mean he couldn’t be his own kind of hero. Rather, a perverted knight. Hmm, certainly had a ring to it.
A long sigh blew from his nose as he watched the pair finally disappear into the female locker room. Part of him wanted to cry that he couldn’t go in with them. Maybe that would help him decide between the two. Actually, remembering all the beautiful women in his class, he could only imagine the wonder going on just on the other side of that wall. It would only take another five heartbeats before he realized the obvious. Suddenly, he couldn’t look away from the locker room door, unbridled temptation overwhelming him like an explosion at the base of his skull.
“Jaune?” Ren asked, looking back as he started towards the boy’s lockers, “you coming?” in answer, Jaune licked his suddenly dry lips before grinning a new kind of grin.
“Right behind you,” he answered, not even looking at his only male friend before willing the world around him to start to slow. He tasted the now stale air on his tongue before moving towards the room full of beautiful, possibly naked huntresses. “I’ll just be one second,” he promised the pink-eyed boy as he walked passed his frozen figure, still staring at the space Jaune had been. Finally, faced with the door he could hear his heartbeat in his ears, its heavy beat flooding all of his extremities with quickly warming blood.
If he was going to decide which of these lovely ladies to court, he needed to make sure he was going to pick the right one for him. And what better way to start than with a personal examination? As soon as he found the right girl, he could focus on her and no one would ever know about his fun along the way. Grinning to himself, Jaune reached for the door, finally accepting his faults for what they were.
A perverted knight indeed…

A/N: Alright, Jaune’s power is officially out in the open and more than a few young women have certainly started to take notice. Makes one wonder about just what type of conversations will be going on once said women are alone? I’m sure our newly dubbed perverted knight will be more than interested in finding out. In his search for his lucky lady, he’ll be finding more than he ever thought as a new aspect of his powers comes to light. Look forward to it.
Next chapter – August.
P.S – To anyone interested, I’m also going to be dropping a longish Last of Us Oneshot in the next few days on Ao3 and AFF. Just something I’ve been working on whenever I had the time. Small warning, it is between Joel and Ellie and takes place during the game, but is also completely consensual. Check it out if it seems like something you would be interested in.
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Sense of Semblance