Chapter 5

Hey guys sorry about the late update it's been a tough two weeks. Between working on college scholarships, struggling Calculus, playing Warframe, and starting another story I hadn't worked on this fic as much as I wanted to. This was finished yesterday but I found my dog barely breathing when I woke up. I took him to the vet but the Veterinarians couldn't help him and had to put him down. But on to less depressing matters.

Fanfic cyberman: Lol Yeah I've also always liked cyborg stories. I'm currently working on a Boku no Hero Academia crossover with Naruto. But this story is going to be my main priority. If I hit a writer's block or anything like that I'll most likely put this story on a hiatus and come back to it later.

Zwarshotcv: Thank you :)

ExS-DrIfTeRr: You know it dude

Slyfox117: Yangs also one of my favorite characters. and yeah those three games were like my childhood.

tyson113: Thanks for the inspirational words :D It means a lot.

The Headless Chicken: Yeah I just really like Coco as a character and she's not in that many stories.

Xxxxxxx

"This is the part where you lose." Cardin mockingly stated to Jaune.

I was currently sitting with my 'Teammates' and watching Jaune get annihilated by Cardin in a spar. Yes, today is my first day working with team CRDL. For some reason I thought that I could get through Cardin's thick skull and convince him to change, but that hasn't happened yet. I'm going to have to teach him a lesson if he keeps this crap up. I sighed as I watched Jaune take another brutal hit.'You came up with an amazing plan on the spot in the emerald forest; So why do you keep charging at Cardin?'

"Over my dead-!" Jaune tried to say before Cardin kneed him in the gut. Dropping his sword and falling to the ground in pain, he looked up to see the mace wielding teen towering over him. With his weapon pointed skyward, my 'team leader' prepared to slam his weapon on the defenseless Jaune but Goodwitch intervened.

"Cardin, that's enough!" Glynda said stepping onto the stage. She tapped a few buttons on her scroll and the two combatants Aura's appeared above the stage. "Students, as you can see, Mr. Arc's Aura has now dropped into the red. In a tournament-styled duel, this would indicate that Jaune is no longer fit for battle, and that the official may call the match." Looking over towards team JNPR's leader she added, "Mr. Arc, it's been weeks now. Please try to refer to your Scroll during combat. Gauging your Aura will help you decide when it's appropriate to attack, or when it is better to move to a more... defensive strategy. We wouldn't want you to be gobbled up by a Beowolf, now, would we?"

I deadpanned as she said that last part 'What kind of idiot would take out their scroll in the middle of a battle. Pyrrha could check her scroll while we fought because she's experienced. But if Jaune were to do that he'd lose instantly.'

"Speak for yourself..." Cardin muttered upon hearing Goodwitch's last statement

Xxxxxxx

To not spend anymore time with my idiot teammates, I waited and let everyone leave before me. I actually needed to talk to the Witch themed professor anyway.

"Excuse me, Ms. Goodwitch, I have a question about sparring in the classroom." I told her.

"Oh, well, what would you like to know?" Glynda asked, surprised a Freshman would stay after to ask her something.

"Well you see..."

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After talking with Professor Goodwitch I proceed to walk to the cafeteria. I quickly got in line, grabbed my food, and began to walk towards teams JNPR and RWBY. I placed down my tray and took a seat on Jaune's left. I made short work of my food, despite it coming from the school's cafeteria, it was pretty damn good! 'I wish school lunch one earth was this good' I thought as I finished my burger.

Then I heard a familiar sound.

"Ow! That hurts!" I looked around the room until I spotted team CRDL bullying Velvet again. "Please, stop..." She whimpered out as Cardin continued to tug on her ears. I quickly got out of my seat and dashed over towards her.

"I told you it was-" Cardin said to his goons before he was interrupted.

Gripping his wrist, I stated sweetly in a tone akin to a Mother lecturing her child, "Cardin I thought we talked about this. Bullying. People. Isn't. Nice". I accentuated my words by applying more strength to my grip after each word. Before I could snap Cardin's wrist he finally released Velvet's ear and replied, "Let go. I'm sorry… geez."

"Are you? This is the second time you've done this and to the same person no less" I rebuked instantly doubting his words as I continued to slowly crush his wrist. Wincing in pain he preserved through it not wanting to seem weak in front of the others.

Seeing their leader was in trouble Dove and Russell prepared to take out their weapons. I noticed what they were planning on doing so I decided to make an announcement to the whole cafeteria. "So you guy's think ganging up on people is fair, huh? Well, I challenge all four of you to a duel after lunch."

At this muttering was heard amongst the entire cafeteria.

"Is that allowed?" Someone asked.

"Do you think he can take on their entire team?" Another student questioned.

"Wait, we can challenge people to fights?" Yang asked while thinking 'I still never got to fight Ash'

"BREAK THEIR LEGS ASH!" Nora squealed out in excitement.

RINGGGG The bell signaled our dismissal. Still looking at the bullies I stated cockily, "Are we fightin or not?"

Getting riled up by my comment the bird themed team stormed off to the combat classroom.

I looked back over towards Velvet and saw that she was… blushing? "Hey, are you ok?" I asked concerned for her wellbeing.

"I-I'm fine…" she stuttered out while the heat in her cheeks started to slowly die down.

"Hey do you want to watch me fight them? I promise I'll make them leave you alone for good." I said holding my hand out to her. As soon as I said that her cheeks flared red again. 'Was It something I said?'

"Su-ure," she replied, making an adorable "e-eep!" sound as she grasped my hand. And with that we walked out of the room.

As we left Nora was glaring angrily at the spot Velvet occupied. Seeing her intense rage teams RWBY and JNPR took that as a sign to high tail it out of there and ran to the combat room.

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Upon reaching the combat room I released Velvet's hand and smiled at her. 'She's blushing again. Maybe she should go see a doctor after this' I thought as she made her way over to Coco Adel (who I haven't been introduced to yet.) I waved over towards them and Coco waved back while whispered something into Velvet's ear causing her cheek's to burst with color again.

After waving to them, team RWBY and team JNPR sat down at the edge of the arena while I took my place on the stage opposite from team CRDL.

"Are all the fighters ready?" Glynda asked as we nodded. "Then let the fight between Ash Harkin and team CRDL begin."

Cardin immediately rushed forward hoping to crush me with his mace as he swung vertically.. Sidestepping the blow I was immediately on guard as he tried to hit me with a horizontal blow. Ducking under the strike I lashed out with a tiger claw to his throat (that move where you use the area between the index finger and thumb and thrust it into your opponent's throat). The attack left him stunned but as I prepared a follow up Dove and Russell attacked me in sync.

Stepping In front of their leader, both boys worked together to trap me. Alternating between slashing, kicking, and dodging the two were able to push me back. I spotted Sky charging at me from behind and prepared a plan. Just before Sky was able to strike me with his Halberd I backflipped over him and kicked him in the back, sending him flying into his teammates. Cardin looked livid as he saw his team being played around with. Fortunately I knew what I could do to tick him off further.

"WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING!" Cardin yelled upon seeing what I took out of my pockets.

"I'm reading obviously." I replied. Just then, a certain black haired ninja sneezed. Surely enough I was reading a familiar black book titled Ninja's of Love. 'Blake said that reading this book would help me understand something. But I don't get what she's talking about. The only thing that's happened so far is the main character waking up next to two skimpily dressed women'

But reading this book was only phase one in my scheme to make Cardin look like an idiot.

Seeing team CRDL's leader swing his mace, sending wave after wave of explosions towards me. Dodging a few more explosions while still reading my book I started to keel over laughing. "What's so funny huh?" Cardin questioned me, getting irritated by my actions.

"No-nothing" I said still snickering ' His mace reminded me of those wizard guys from Mario Galaxy. What were they called? Magikoopas? Whatever'. "Hey Cardin is it alright if I call you Fairy Boy because you have a magic wand?"

Growling Cardin commanded his goon's, "Surround him! We'll teach him not to mess with us."

Seemingly unfazed I stood calmly reading as they encircled me. As I flipped the page my adversaries took that as a sign to charge. I sidestepping Dove's dropkick, avoided a stab from Sky, dodged Russell lunge and ducked under Cardin's swing simultaneously. Upon seeing their attacks yielded no results they resumed their assault with renewed vigor. Ducking, dodging, evading, I successfully continued to avoid all of their strikes.

'Oh my god' I thought my face reddening as I continued to read. 'Kasumi and Akame began to disrobe in front of Ryu the dragon ninja. Letting their robes fall off their bodies, while shaking their hips they sauntered over to said dragon ninja. "Are you ready to get started?" Kasumi moaned out as she rubbed her breasts on Ryu's chest-'I sidestepped another one of Cardin's wild swings. 'This is just getting annoying now'

It was time for phase two of my plan.

I formed a visible shield of aura around my right arm and by proxy my book. I parried Cardin's swing with my book. Before proceeding to bitch slap him across the room with said book. Everyone looked wide eyed as I systematically destroyed the rest of team CRDL with my book. When Cardin finally recovered he saw that his teammates were in a state of semi-consciousness. "How are you so strong..?" He growled out desperately.

The final phase of my plan was commencing.

"How am I so strong?" I repeated his question looking him in the eyes. "I'm this strong not because of a training regimen. But because of my morals and my will power." I paused for a moment letting my words sink in. "My friends are what give me my strength and when I saw you messing with Velvet, I vowed to set you straight. Your racist behavior disgusts me. A Huntsman's job is to uphold the peace within the world and protect the kingdoms citizens. You don't get to pick and choose who you protect so either fight for everyone or fight for no one." After I finished chewing him out, Glynda congratulated me and I stepped off the stage.

"Alright students, you are dismissed. Please prepare for your next class." Glynda announced

Xxxxxxxxx

'Okay I love history but this guy is just too much' I internally groaned out as I watched or attempted to watch Dr. Oobleck flash across the room.

"who can tell me the advantage the Faunus had over General Lagune's forces?" The eccentric Doctor asked the class.

Sitting next to me I noticed Cardin about to launch a paper football at Jaune. 'Will this dude ever learn. Or do I have to keep stomping him into the ground.' I thought while making a finger gun gesture at Cardin. Before he could bother Jaune I launched a microscopic lightning ball from my finger at Cardin's hand.

"Hey!" He shouted raising the hand that I shocked.

"Mr. Winchester! Finally contributing to class! This is excellent! Excellent! What is the answer?"

"Well, I know it's a lot easier to train-" Cardin started before noticing me glaring at him. "An animal than a soldier." He finished looking away from me.

"You're not the most open-minded of individuals, are you, Cardin?" Pyrrha asked while shaking her head disapprovingly.

"What, you got a problem?" He remarked aggressively

"No, I have the answer! It's night vision. Many Faunus are known to have nearly-perfect sight in the dark." The Spartan responded.

"General Lagune was inexperienced, and made the mistake of trying to ambush the Faunus in their sleep. His massive army was outmatched, and the general was captured." Blake added before turning to Cardin. "Perhaps if he'd paid attention in class, he wouldn't have been remembered as such a failure."

Obviously enraged by being mocked Cardin stood up to try and start something but was stopped by Oobleck. "Mr. Winchester! Please take your seat." Upon noticing Jaune laughing he stated "Mr. Arc you are in no position to be laughing. You are also struggling with my class. So both you and Mr. Winchester can stay after class for additional readings."

Xxxxxxxx

Sometime later that night team CRDL's dorm

"What was that back in class Ash." Cardin interrogated me as we sat around in our dorm.

"I have no idea what your talking about." I responded ignorantly while working on homework from Peach's class. "And shouldn't you be doing your homework from Oobleck?" I added mockingly.

Growling in response Cardin stormed out onto our balcony. Sighing out loud, I finished up my homework after sparing a glance at the other members of team CRDL that were sleeping (in Russell and Sky's case) or studying (in Dove's case). 'Okay I had thought these guys were a bunch of muscle head bullies but maybe they're just rough around the edges' I mused as I saw Dove work before I went to bed myself.

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Cardin's POV

'I fucking hate that kid. I WILL make him pay for embarrassing me. My team can't beat him in a fight but we can always mess with his friends or screw with him through other means' Cardin thought sinisterly upon stepping out onto the balcony. 'Speak of the Devil' The armored teen said to himself when he heard the arguing voices of Pyrrha and Jaune on the roof above him.

"Wh-what do you mean?" Pyrrha asked unknowingly sparking Cardin's interest.

I mean I didn't go to combat school, I didn't pass any tests. I didn't earn my spot at this Academy! I lied! I got my hands on some fake transcripts, and I lied!" Jaune raised his voice in frustration.

'heh, makes perfect sense. That's the only way a weakling like him could ever get into this school. This is perfect blackmail material.' The bully thought as the gears turned in his head. Cardin stood there waiting for Pyrrha so he can become 'friends' with Jaune.

"Just... leave me alone. Okay?" Said Jaune, not wanting to continue the conversation.

"If that's what you think is best..." Pyrrha replied dejectedly before walking back to their dorm.

'Now's my chance' I thought to myself and climbed up onto the roof. I watched Jaune stare off in the distance and I couldn't help from laughing at him.

"Oh, Jaune..." I said disgusted in how pathetic he is.

"Cardin!?" He exclaimed, surprised by my convenient arrival.

"I couldn't help but overhear you two from my dorm room. So, you snuck into Beacon, huh? I gotta say, Jaune, I never expected you to be such a rebel!" I stated grinning like I've won the lottery.

"Please, Cardin, please, don't tell anyone!" Jaune begged me. 'God this kid is such a pussy' I thought amused.

"Jaune, come on! I'd never rat on a friend like that!" I said moving closer towards him.

"A... a friend?" He questions me, confused.

"Of course!" I started while grabbing him in a headlock. "We're friends now, Jauney boy! And the way I see it, as long as you're there for me when I need you, we'll be friends for a long time." Dropping Jaune to the floor I continued "That being said, I really don't have time to do those extra readings Dr. Oobleck gave us today. Think you could take care of that for me, buddy?" He looked at me shocked. "That's what I thought. Don't worry, Jaune; your secret's safe with me."

Xxxxxxxx

Ash POV

The next day in Ms. Peach's class we went on a field trip to the forest of Forever Fall. Stopping the class in an open clearing Professor Goodwitch turned around and addressed us.

"Yes, students, the forest of Forever Fall is indeed beautiful. But we are not here to sight-see. Professor Peach has asked all of you to collect samples from the trees deep inside this forest, and I'm here to make sure none of you die while doing so." She said sternly

Holding up an empty Jar Glynda continued, "Each of you is to gather one jar's worth of red sap. However, this forest is full of the creatures of Grimm, so be sure to stay by your teammates. We will rendezvous back here by 4 o'clock. Have fun!"

Out of the corner of my eye I saw Jaune walk off with team CRDL. 'He needs this to become more confident' I thought remembering what happens in this episode. Realizing team JNPR was down a member and that Nora kept eating the syrup I walked over towards them to offer my help.

"Hey guys" I waved at them as I walked closer "Do you guys need any help?"

Nora ran over to me squealing "Ash!" and embraced me in a tight hug as Pyrrha started speaking, "Sure we would love the help. Especially considering that our team leader is hanging out with his other friends."

Feeling slightly awkward by that last comment I just nodded and started walking (after Nora was pried off of me). With my help the team was able to fill up the jars of syrup faster than Nora could eat them. So we finished in no time and started to walk back to the clearing, meeting team RWBY along the way.

"Good job gu-" I tried to say before team CRDL minus C ran past us in fear yelling "Ursa! Ursa!". Russel crashed into Yang and fell to the ground.

"What?!" The blonde asked as she hoisted him up by his shirt. "Where?"

"Back there! It's got Cardin!" The teen replied hastily.

"Jaune!" Pyrrha exclaimed realizing her leader was with Cardin.

"Yang! You and Blake go get Professor Goodwitch!" Ruby said to her teammates. Dropping Russell Yang and Blake nodded before running through the forest in search of Goodwitch.

"You two, go with them! There could be more!" Turning to Nora and Ren Pyrrha gave them similar orders.

"Let's go" I said to Weiss, Ruby , and Pyrrha as I ran off towards Jaune.

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After spending several minutes sprinting through the forest we finally caught sight of Jaune protecting a prone Cardin. Watching him block an overhead strike from the Ursa Weiss and I were prepared to help but the Invincible girl halted us.

"Wait." said Pyrrha, wanting to watch Jaune fight. So in silence Weiss, Ruby, Pyrrha and I continued to stare on as Jaune fought the Ursa.

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Jaune POV

Blocking the overhead blow I quickly slashed at it's stomach but my strike only further angered it. In retaliation It smacked me backwards and I landed near Cardin. He looked at me in fear that we would both die.

'I won't let that happen. This is my chance to prove myself'. With renewed vigor I ran towards the Grimm bear and leapt at it bringing my sword down towards it's head. It just swatted me away like an insignificant fly.

'I will beat you' I thought in anger as I was about to charge at it again. But then I suddenly remembered Professor Goodwitch's words. I used this brief moment to glance at my aura meter on my scroll. 'it's in the red' I said to myself realizing I have to finish the fight in the next blow.

I steeled my resolve and began to sprint towards the Grimm. Mirroring my actions the Ursa rushed at me. The distance quickly closed between us. As I neared it I could feel it's hot breathe in my face. It was somewhat terrifying, but I realized that now wasn't the time to be afraid. I had to act. I had to become a hero.

"Graah!" I yelled out as I instinctively raised my shield, parrying it's attack while simultaneously sliding into the monster's guard. With a final yell I arced my sword up and in a fluid motion decapitated the Grimm.

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Ash POV

Jaune decapitated the Grimm and as Pyrrha lowered her hand the red hue faded from view.

"Uhhh... What?"Ruby said confused at what just happened.

"How did you...?" Weiss asked also astonished

"C-mon guys you should be able to figure out her semblance from the fight we had." I said trying to explain what was on their minds.

"Well, Ruby has her speed, you have your glyphs, and Ash has his lightning. My Semblance is polarity." Pyrrha stated.

"Whoa, you can control poles..." Naively stated Ruby.

"No, you dunce! It means she has control over magnetism!" Weiss stated, irritated by Ruby.

Knowing Jaune would be okay I started to walk back towards Beacon followed by Pyrrha.

"Wait, where are two you going?" Weiss asked confused.

"Yeah! We gotta tell them what happened!" Ruby chimed in excitedly.

"I think we should give this win to Jaune. Right Pyrrha?" I asked looking at the scarlet haired girl.

Smiling at our similar thoughts she responded, "We could tell Jaune... But let's keep this our secret instead."

And with that the four of us began our trek back to Beacon Academy.

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I'm honestly not sure how I feel about this chapter Idk. Anyway Ash is going to slowly lose his denseness (did I say that right lol). Through the power of books! KNOWLEDGE! haha but yeah have a happy holiday everyone.