Chapter 14: 14- Don't mess with US
The day had begun like any other, with Ron preparing breakfast and coffee for Adrian and Gaster. The familiar aroma filled the dorm, signaling the start of their daily routine. Everyone gathered at the table, but something was different—Adrian, who usually cherished his morning coffee, left his cup untouched. Maple and Ron, who knew Adrian's habits better than anyone, exchanged wary glances, sensing that something was amiss.
[Ron]: This is weird. Adrian would go feral for some coffee—he even fights Gaster for it every day.
Their conversation was interrupted by the arrival of Team JNPR, minus Jaune. When Ron and Maple inquired, Pyrrha reluctantly explained what had happened the previous day, though she avoided mentioning the more sensitive details about how Jaune got into Beacon.
Ron's expression darkened as he listened, his concern for Adrian turning into a simmering rage. He now understood why Adrian was acting off, and it made his blood boil. Maple, sensing Ron's growing anger, tried to calm him down, but her efforts were in vain. Before anyone could stop him, Ron stormed out, heading straight to class.
When Ron arrived, he found Cardin ordering Jaune around, the sight only fueling his anger. Without thinking, Ron slammed Cardin to the ground, his hands immediately finding their way to Jaune's neck.
[Ron]: Do you have any idea how much suffering Adrian has endured his entire life? NO! But you start talking about how weak you are and how nobody feels like you. If I ever see you hurt him like that again, YOU ARE DEAD.
His voice was filled with fury, his grip on Jaune tightening. Just as things were about to escalate further, Adrian's voice cut through the tension.
[Adrian]: Ron, stop.
Ron's eyes flicked to Adrian, who stood at the entrance of the classroom. The sight of his friend, the very person he was trying to protect, brought him back to his senses. Slowly, he released his hold on Jaune, who gasped for air, and stepped back.
Without another word, Ron turned away and entered the classroom, leaving a shaken Jaune and a tense atmosphere behind.
Team RWBY, who had witnessed the scene, turned to Maple with concerned expressions. They were puzzled by the intensity of Ron's reaction, so they asked Maple what had caused him to become so angry.
Maple hesitated for a moment, her gaze drifting to Adrian, who stood silently by the door. She then began to explain in a hushed tone, knowing that this was something not many people knew.
[Maple]: Ron's anger wasn't just about what Jaune said... It's about Adrian. Adrian wasn't always part of our team. Before Ron found him, he was a slave.
The members of Team RWBY gasped in shock, their expressions turning somber as they listened.
[Maple]: Adrian was forced to endure things that no one should ever have to. He was helpless, beaten, and scarred, both physically and emotionally. He has a burn mark on his back—a reminder of the pain he endured—and wounds all over his body from the years of abuse. When Ron found him, he saved him, gave him a new life, a purpose... But those scars, they never really go away.
As Maple spoke, her voice wavered slightly, the weight of the story heavy in the air.
[Maple]: So when Ron heard what Jaune said... it hit too close to home. He couldn't stand to see Adrian hurt like that again, even if it was just emotional.
As Maple's words echoed in the hallway, Jaune stood frozen, the weight of the revelation crashing down on him. Team JNPR, equally shocked, exchanged glances, trying to process the truth about Adrian's past. The air was thick with tension, guilt, and a new understanding of the burdens some of their classmates carried.
Gaster, who had been observing quietly, decided to take charge of the situation. He gestured for the members of Team GRAM to follow him into the classroom, leaving Jaune to grapple with the heavy knowledge he'd just gained.
Once inside, Gaster closed the door, turning to face Ron. His expression was stern but not unkind.
[Gaster]: Ron, we need to talk about your anger.
Ron's hands clenched into fists, his body still trembling with residual fury. He didn't meet Gaster's gaze, staring instead at the floor.
[Ron]: (gritting his teeth) Gaster, you know why I was angry. You know how much Adrian suffered in that soul market, how they made him... (his voice breaks slightly) kill his own family. You remember the wounds he showed us when we talked about our past lives.
The gravity of Ron's words sinking in. Maple and Adrian exchanged a glance, both of them feeling the weight of Ron's pain and frustration.
[Gaster]: (calmly) I do know, Ron. And I'm not saying your anger isn't justified. What they did to Adrian was monstrous, and the scars he carries are something none of us can ever fully understand. But letting that anger control you, lashing out like that... it won't help Adrian. If anything, it'll only make things harder for him.
Ron's shoulders slumped slightly, the tension in his body beginning to ebb away. He knew Gaster was right, but the image of Adrian's haunted eyes, the pain he'd carried for so long, was something Ron couldn't easily shake.
[Ron]: (sighing) I know, Gaster. It's just... seeing him like that, hearing Jaune talk like he's the only one who's ever been weak... It's like everything Adrian went through, everything he's still going through, doesn't matter.
Gaster placed a hand on Ron's shoulder, his touch firm and reassuring.
[Gaster]: It does matter, Ron. And the best way we can help Adrian is by being there for him, by showing him that he's not alone. But we can't do that if we're blinded by anger. We have to be strong, not just for him, but for each other.
Ron took a deep breath, finally meeting Gaster's gaze. The anger in his eyes had softened, replaced by a deep sense of resolve.
[Ron]: You're right. I just... I can't stand the thought of him being hurt again. Not after everything he's been through.
[Gaster]: None of us can. That's why we have to be smart about how we handle this. Together, we can protect him—and each other.
Maple stepped forward, her voice gentle as she spoke.
[Maple]: We're all in this together, Ron. We'll get through it, just like we always do.
Adrian, who had been silent until now, finally spoke up, his voice quiet but filled with determination.
[Adrian]: Thank you, Ron. But Gaster's right—I don't want you to get in trouble because of me. We've been through too much to let anger tear us apart.
Ron nodded the fire in his heart tempered by the understanding and support of his team.
[Ron]: I promise, Adrian. I'll keep it in check. But if anyone tries to hurt you again, they'll have to go through all of us.
After classes ended, and the teams returned to their dorms, Gaster noticed Jaune sitting alone in the hallway. The usually energetic leader of Team JNPR looked lost, his shoulders slumped in defeat. Gaster, feeling a sense of responsibility, decided to approach him. On his way, he encountered Ruby, who quickly joined him, understanding that Jaune needed a friend.
Together, Gaster and Ruby sat down with Jaune, offering words of comfort and understanding. Ruby's cheerful optimism and Gaster's calm wisdom worked in tandem to lift Jaune's spirits, reassuring him that he wasn't alone, no matter how hard things seemed.
The next day, Glynda Goodwitch led a group consisting of Team RWBY, Team JNPR, Team GRAM, and Team CRDL through Forever Fall on Professor Peach's behalf. The forest was breathtaking, its crimson leaves painting the landscape in vibrant hues. The students were momentarily lost in the beauty of their surroundings, but Glynda's voice quickly brought them back to their task.
[Glynda]: Remember, you're here to collect a jar of Red Sap from the trees deep within the forest. This isn't a leisurely stroll—focus on your mission.
Each team set off, scattering through the forest to collect the sap. As they worked, Team GRAM noticed Cardin forcing Jaune to gather not just his own jar, but an additional five jars—one for each member of Team CRDL. The sight made Ron's jaw tighten in frustration, but he kept his promise to Adrian, watching silently for now.
As they continued to collect Red Sap, a sudden, terrified scream pierced the air. Team GRAM looked up just in time to see the members of Team CRDL running frantically through the trees, their faces pale with fear.
Adrian: (quickly grabbing Russel by the arm) Where? What happened?
[Russel]: (gasping for breath) There! An Ursa—it's got Cardin!
Without hesitation, Team GRAM sprang into action. Adrian released Russel, who bolted in the opposite direction, and the team rushed toward the source of the screams. The forest seemed to close in around them as they ran, the vibrant red of the trees contrasting sharply with the danger that awaited
As Team GRAM sprinted through the forest, the vibrant red leaves blurred around them, their focus entirely on reaching Cardin before it was too late. The cries for help grew louder, the sound of Cardin's panicked voice mingling with the roars of a Grimm.
Meanwhile, Cardin was desperately trying to escape the Ursa's relentless pursuit. His fear had stripped away any semblance of bravado as he scrambled across the forest floor. But the Ursa was faster, knocking him to the ground with a powerful swipe of its claws.
Just as the Grimm loomed over him, poised to deliver the killing blow, a shield suddenly appeared between Cardin and the beast. Jaune, driven by a newfound resolve, had stepped in to protect him. The impact of the Ursa's strike sent Jaune staggering, but he held his ground, determined not to let the creature get past him.
Weiss and Ruby arrived on the scene, ready to assist, but Pyrrha held them back with a firm hand.
[Pyrrha]: (quietly) No, let him do this.
Ruby looked at her with concern, but Pyrrha's expression was resolute. She understood that this was something Jaune needed to do on his own.
To everyone's surprise, Jaune managed to hold his own against the Ursa for a short while. His shield absorbed the brunt of the Grimm's attacks, while his sword found its mark in brief, calculated strikes. But the battle was taking its toll on him. Twice he was knocked to the ground, and each time he forced himself back up, more determined than ever.
However, as he checked his Scroll, he realized his Aura was dangerously low. One more hit, and it would be over.
The Ursa, sensing its advantage, prepared for a final charge. Jaune tightened his grip on his sword, knowing this was his last chance. Both he and the Ursa charged at each other, the air thick with tension. But in his desperation, Jaune left himself open to a devastating counterattack. The Ursa's claws were about to tear into him when, at the last possible moment, his shield lifted—seemingly on its own—and blocked the attack.
Jaune was briefly stunned but quickly regained his stance. Without hesitation, he swung his sword in a powerful, decisive arc. The blade cut clean through the Ursa's neck, severing its head from its body. The Grimm's massive form crumpled to the ground, dissolving into black smoke as Jaune stood over it, panting heavily.
Pyrrha, who had discreetly used her Semblance to raise Jaune's shield, smiled softly. She knew he wouldn't have been able to make that final move without a bit of help, but she also knew that this victory would mean everything to him.
[Weiss]: (reluctantly) I suppose that wasn't... terrible.
[Adrian]: (smirking) Not bad, Jaune. Not bad at all.
Jaune looked around at his teammates and friends, their expressions ranging from pride to relief. For the first time, he felt like he truly belonged at Beacon—not because of a lie, but because he had proven to himself that he could do this.
[Ruby]: (cheerfully) Way to go, Jaune! You were amazing!
Jaune turned to Adrian, his face reflecting a mix of gratitude and regret.
[Jaune]: Adrian, Pyrrha, I'm really sorry. I never meant to hurt your feelings or make things difficult. Can you please forgive me?
Adrian looked at him with a knowing smile.
[Adrian]: Sure, but only if you buy me some coffee... and take Pyrrha out on a date. She deserves it for saving you.
Both Jaune and Pyrrha blushed deeply, their faces turning a shade of red that could rival the vibrant leaves of Forever Fall.
[Ruby]: (in shock) She did what?
Pyrrha, her cheeks still flushed, turned to Ruby with a slight smile.
[Pyrrha]: My Semblance allows me to manipulate magnetism. I used it to help Jaune by raising his shield when he was in danger. It's similar to how Ruby's Semblance enhances her speed and how Weiss' allows her to create glyphs.
Ruby looked at Pyrrha, her eyes wide with admiration.
[Ruby]: I had no idea! That's amazing!
As the group prepared to head back, Ruby and Weiss exchanged glances, their concern evident.
[Weiss]: We should tell Glynda and the others about what happened. They need to know how Jaune performed.
[Pyrrha]: (firmly) I'd prefer if we kept it a secret for now. Jaune needs this win for his confidence. He's worked hard to get here, and I believe this experience will help him grow.
As the battle concluded, Adrian, who had been keeping an eye on Ron, suddenly exclaimed,
[Adrian]: We need to stop Ron before he goes too far with Cardin.
The group turned to see Ron, who had set up a video feed showing Cardin in a precarious state. The footage revealed Cardin cowering in fear as Ron relentlessly pummeled him. Cardin's face had turned a disturbing shade of purple, and he was visibly terrified, having wet himself in fear. The scene was both alarming and distressing, making it clear that Ron was pushing the boundaries of what was acceptable.
Realizing the gravity of the situation, the team sprang into action. Maple and Adrian, with a sense of urgency, intervened to restrain Ron. They struggled to pull him away from Cardin, their combined efforts barely managing to halt his relentless assault. Ron's fury was palpable, but the combined strength and determination of the team were enough to stop him before any permanent harm could be inflicted.
In the aftermath, Ron's anger subsided,
[chapter end]
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