Chapter 15

Jaune raised his shield instinctively, blocking the sword that struck towards his head. He struck back with a lunging stab. He kept his shield raised until his sword was deflected, then thrust forwards with his shield to slam into his opponent. Pyrrha caught it with ease, but with a wide smile on his face.

"Great work Jaune, good aggression. What are you going to do now?"

He didn't answer, mentally running through the various options that Pyrrha had taught him. The moment he'd decided was clear to see on his face. Perhaps it was all of her training, perhaps it was Jaune's inexperience, but she knew the instant he started moving that he was going to try and kick out her feet.

It was a poor position to try it, his footwork was woefully out of place, but she let him try regardless. His foot connected against hers in an attempt to swipe it out from under her. But Pyrrha's stance was solid, and it was like he'd tried to kick a wall as he suddenly stopped and winced. She bit back the giggle at how adorable he looked, before deciding to show him the error of his ways.

She dipped, releasing the shield to grab him by the hips as she charged, lifting him off his feet and collapsing onto the floor. In good reflex, his arms came up to defend himself, but Pyrrha was better than that. She twisted above him and wrapped her legs and one of Jaune's arm, pinning him with an arm bar.

"Nice try Jaune, care to give up?"

He grunted and pulled against her, inadvertently bending his arm further which caused him to let out a squawk of pain. Begrudgingly, he tapped against her arm and she let him go. He pulled his arm in and rubbed at it with a pout, cradling it in a way that had Pyrrha instantly wanting to pat his head and ruffle his hair. He was just so darn cute! Instead, she settled for smiling and leaning forwards, deliberately basking in his musk and tilting enough to put her face a little closer to his. She almost regretted upgrading her armour in a way that had removed the way it had emphasized her bust. Such tools of seduction could come in handy right now.

Inside, she was frightfully nervous, but the gooeyness she felt in his presence helped to calm her.

"You're getting much better Jaune, I've never seen someone progress as fast as you." It wasn't an exaggeration either. Jaune had been a quick study before, albeit hindered heavily by his lack of experience, but with the intensity they were pushing at this time around? Jaune was going forwards in leaps and bounds.

He blushed, and she saw him instantly go to brush it off, before he paused and reconsidered. "Really?"

"Really really." She scootched slightly closer. "You're doing a lot better than I was when I started out, and a lot better than other people our age too. Huntsman material through and through." She saw the subtle wince, the way he still doubted himself due to his cheating. He began to speak, possibly about to confess to the crime and push away her compliments. She didn't give him the chance. "I know that you're… not as experienced as the rest of us Jaune. But listen to me when I say that I am very impressed, and that you're doing very well. It might take some time, but you're going to be an amazing Huntsman."

This time when he blushed, he didn't move to brush off her words. Instead, he gave an embarrassed thanks, unable to look her in the eye.

Internally, Pyrrha squealed. A true point scored, now it was time to get more. Her anxiety was building, but she strangled it down as she took in a deep breath.

"Hey Jaune, I was… after training, I tend to get a bit hungry. I was wondering if you wanted to join me for lunch?"

"Hm? Oh, sure, I'll call Ruby and Weiss and see if they want to come too."

Alarm bells screamed in her mind. "No! I mean, they're busy. Ruby is with her sister, and Weiss has to clean her…" Sword? Room? Dishes? "Homework."

"Clean her homework?" He tilted his head as she died a little inside.

Great job Pyrrha, master of deception you are. She ordered her brain to shut up and pushed on with the blatant lie. "Yes, she… found dust in her notebook and insisted on cleaning it all. Said she'd die of embarrassment if she handed in dusty homework."

Jaune looked away, pondering her words. "Yeah, that does sound like Weiss."

How did that work? That's so stupid. "Yeah it's really smart, I should check that sometime. But anyway, did you want to go have lunch together?"

"Sure." Score! "Shall we go to the cafeteria now?"

"Actually, there was this little place in Vale that I saw recently." A small lie, she had been up late at night trying to find romantic hotspots and the small café had been highly recommended. "There's a bullhead into Vale we could take together?"

He pulled a slightly cringing face at the thought of having to push through his motion sickness but began to nod. "Sure, I'll get showered and changed here since I brought my clothes. Shall we meet at the landing pads?"

"Yes! Yes, let's do that." She surged to her feet and pulled him up in an instant, summoning over his weapons and handing them to him so he could get dressed quicker. "I'll meet you there soon!"

She managed to restrain herself to a quick walk out of the training room before breaking into a complete sprint as soon as she was out of view. Barging past people with only a false apology before she reached their room. Pyrrha was certain she'd never showered so fast in her life and was swearing under her breath at how long the hairdryer was taking. Briefly, she considered cutting most of it off just so that it wouldn't take as long to dry, but she imagined that might throw Jaune off more than some slightly damp wear.

Thankfully the room was empty as she darted around in only a towel, rifling through her outfits to find the specific one that she was looking for. A red lace cocktail dress, with the skirt stopping just above the knee. Perfect for showing off her legs, and she had the heels to match. The neckline was a standard v neck, not dipping too deep but enough to suggest what she wanted, and while it took her a while to dig through the mess of her underwear drawer, she knew she'd had a red bra that matched somewhere in there.

Idly, she wondered if she was going a bit too heavily on the red theme, though she didn't allow herself the time to ponder.

Then there was the makeup. She found herself applying it sloppily from her nerves and repeatedly making a mess, even with the minimal amount she was doing. Was it too heavy? Was it too light? Was the red lipstick too bold, or did she want that? She didn't know, and it was agonizing her until she finally conceded defeat and accepted it as it was, finishing up with a spritz of perfume. Good enough would have to be good enough, or she'd be late trying and failing to be perfect.

She was anxious, she was a shaking mess, but she was also excited.

With a cross-body bag draped over herself, she opened the door and walked down the corridor with a smile on her face. A smile that dropped when she saw Miss Goodwitch.

The teacher had become a close confidante of recent times, and normally she was in a good mood whenever she saw her. However, those times were not normally preceded by the frown on her face.

"Pyrrha." Uh oh, it was her stern, teaching voice. The one she used in class when students hadn't been paying attention and she was calling them out in front of the class. "Care to tell me what happened with Cardin yesterday?"

Oh no. Oh no no no no no. "Uh, I-…"

"Mr Winchester claimed you struck him. Naturally I struggled to believe such an accusation, until I reviewed the security camera footage personally." Her eyes narrowed. "Detention, my office, now."

The final vestiges of her joyous mood shattered, and a pit opened up inside her stomach. "But, but I-… I have a-…" She gestured weakly as the words failed her, the life draining from her body against the unyielding force of Miss Goodwitch's glare.

"Now."

_/\_TIG_/\_

Pyrrha had never felt such frustration as she slumped moodily in the stupid chair in the stupid office, unable to answer the buzz of her stupid scroll as it sat on Miss Goodwitch's stupid desk. She'd been able to argue one message of cancellation to Jaune, but that was it, and her scroll had promptly been taken away before she could hear Jaune's response.

So instead of going on her lunch date, she slumped glumly at the desk as Miss Goodwitch looked at her with disappointment.

"I just don't understand Pyrrha. What you did was a great breach of self-control. I know many students have raised complaints about Mr Winchesters behaviour, but schoolyard taunting cannot be met with violence like this. You are a Huntress and are being held at a higher standard than a regular schoolgirl. Not to mention, you have the eyes of Professor Ozpin and others upon you. This is not a good look for you. Do you have anything to say for yourself?"

She was silent for a while. Perhaps it was just the teenager in her, but instincts made her want to complain. To rant and rave about how unfair it all was. But the words of Miss Goodwitch rang true in her mind. She had been unfair. Cardin was a dick, certainly, but what he'd said in that moment hadn't warranted what she'd done. No, she'd punched Cardin as revenge for his bullying and blackmail of Jaune.

"I'm sorry. I just…" The words failed her, but her shame was clear to see, and Glynda's frown softened. Pyrrha picked at her nails, unable to look as she forced herself to speak. "Cardin has done… did do, some terrible things. Before. I never really forgave him for that, and when he was taunting me I just, lost control."

Glynda nodded. "I understand your reasoning, it's not wrong of you to feel that way. But you can't be losing control like that. Not only as a student, but there are great things expected of you." Pyrrha nodded sadly, still slumping against the desk, and Glynda softened further. "So, what else is bothering you? You look dressed up for something."

"I was… going to go into the city with Jaune for lunch."

"A date?"

"Not, in those exact words…" There was a hint of humour in Glynda's eyes as she beheld the girl, and Pyrrha felt herself getting defensive. "It was a start okay? We meet for lunch, have a good time, then we start doing it more often, and then we're… well, we're dating."

Glynda leaned back in her chair and sighed. "Teenage dating, I don't miss that."

"Do you mind if I ask, but did you date when you were a student, Miss Goodwitch? How was it?"

There was an embarrassed smile on her face. "I probably shouldn't tell you this, but yes, I had my fair share of romantic experiences in school. Nothing major, dating for a month and thinking it was long term before-" she made an explosion motion with her hands and Pyrrha giggled. "I didn't have my first big relationship until after I graduated, something long term and stable, the difference in maturity was stark."

"Another Huntsman?"

"No." Glynda shook her head, a soft smile in memory of the man. "He was an accountant, a fairly boring 9-5 job, but it was nice. When I was away on missions we didn't get to talk much, but whenever I was back we would go on dates that were really romantic. Long walks in the park, fine dining… he would be waiting with flowers each time I got back." She deflated slightly, clearly remembering what came next.

"It didn't work out?"

"No. Our lives were just… incompatible. He wanted kids, I… couldn't afford the time off. At the time, I was just too busy, and didn't want to end my missions. When we split, it was amicable, but I won't lie and say that it was easy, and though we said we would, we never stayed in touch."

She went quiet, and Pyrrha didn't say anything for a while as she absorbed her words. "You're a lot more open about it than I thought you would be Miss Goodwitch."

"It's the life of a Huntress Pyrrha." She leaned forwards, her familiar teaching voice shining through. "There are classes that begin in the second year, part of our life studies program. We cover some of the financial specifics, government programs and legalities of being a Huntress. But we also have criteria covering romantic relationships specifically. Some of the examples we use are case studies, but we allow personal stories too. You're not the first person I've told about my past relationships, and I'm not the only teacher who does so."

"So does that mean… I can ask for some advice?"

"You are still meant to be in detention Pyrrha."

Pyrrha gave a lopsidedly cheeky smile. "Consider it a teaching moment?"

Glynda narrowed her eyes in disapproval at her cheekiness, but the smile she wore showed Pyrrha she'd won. "Okay, go ahead. How can I help?"

_/\_TIG_/\_

"Cargo secured General."

"Excellent work, dismissed." The soldier snapped off a quick salute, returned by Ironwood before departing. Walking by his side, Winter Schnee looked over the inspection report of the aircraft one final time. "Anything to be concerned about specialist?"

"No sir, all checks are green."

"Then why do I feel you are more nervous than normal?" He stopped and turned to look at her directly, and she stood a little straighter than normal. "Ship is in good condition, and Grimm reports are indicating a clear path. Along with… previous experience of our test run. So what's the issue?"

"I-… I'm still not sure how to believe what we've been told sir. The story Pyrrha Nikos shared seems almost impossible."

"Almost." He agreed. "I find it hard to believe, but the information she has provided us so far has been accurate. Our primary targets identified, and soon perhaps their greatest supplier will be in custody and providing intelligence. You've seen the other reports, you know what has been verified, but you're still doubting her. Why?"

Winter took another look around, eyes peeled for any possible on-lookers. They were already alone of anyone not with the clearance, but this was something she wanted kept even further private. "You read my report on Pyrrha Nikos once it became clear that she was to be involved with our operations. I don't believe she is in a clear headspace to be acting as such, and if what she has said is true then I must insist again that she be inspected for a diagnosis of PTSD."

Ironwood nodded sombrely. He had mixed feelings on Pyrrha's involvement, sharing much of the same view as Winter. "I have had discussions with Ozpin about assigning a therapist to her. He has been… surprisingly reluctant to do so. He thinks that doing so when she has been so voluntary with her assistance will make her pull away from us, and perhaps act out on her own. His reluctance to act early against Cinder already drew a strong reaction from her. I know his feelings on the matter, he has always been strong on setting good precedence, lest our actions of today inspire tyranny in the future. For now though, Pyrrha has been capable of controlling herself to act wisely. When you are in Vale, I want you to keep a closer eye on her, watch for any signs of… issues. You know of Ozpins proposal?"

Winter grimaced. "I do sir. Once again, I must state of protests of this decision."

"Noted Winter." Ironwood stepped up the ramp of the ship, looking at the cargo secured inside. "Should you find any concerns about Pyrrha Nikos, we will raise them in opposition to Ozpin's suggestion. I hope she's ready, but if not…" His hand reached out, touching the glass tube in front of him. Inside, laying in a coma that it seemed she would never wake from, was Amber, the Fall Maiden. "If not, then Pyrrha Nikos should not be made the Fall Maiden. We will need to find another candidate."

"Ozpin will want another student from Vale, most likely."

"Perhaps we could make a suggestion, your sister perhaps?"

Winter stilled slightly, and Ironwood knew he'd touched a bundle of conflicted feelings. In fact, she took several moments of consideration before she responded. "It would be possible sir. From Pyrrha's description, it seems that Weiss grew out of any immaturity fairly swiftly. I believe the same can be done again."

"Let us hope so." Ironwood let the hand on the glass linger a little while longer before he finally pulled away.

_/\_TIG_/\_

Qrow finished his drink with a satisfied smile. A rare pleasure of travelling the world from village to village was the homegrown booze he found in each of them. Some of them were garbage, some were exquisite, almost always they were a much higher proof than regular drinks.

"That's some good stuff. Mind if I take one to go?" He dropped a handful of lien on the bar, and the worker handed him the bottle before moving over to another customer. It was a late night, even for a bar, and Qrow was feeling it was time to close up. He would bring his new little present with him for the flight home, but he felt like it was time to go to bed. He felt that way, but apparently fate had decided something else for him.

The two men in the corner were scanning the room. Sketchy, but in a way that he distinctly recognised, not just wary or nervous, these people were sizing up the locals.

Bandits.

Not just any bandits, they were his former tribesmen. The dark-haired man he recognised as a kid who'd been around half his age when he'd left the tribe. The blonde was an older man, only a young adult when he'd left but now looking old, with greying streaks through his dirty mane that hung down to his shoulders. Both looked different, but the bones were there, and he recognised them well. As did they, as he pulled out a chair and sat down at their table.

"Well well well, maybe it's the alcohol talking, but I'm sure I've seen the two of you before." They shared a wary glance with each other. "And if I remember correctly, you two being here isn't a very good sign."

"Qrow." The blonde man greeted.

"Brann." Qrow nodded back. He looked at the other, shooting him a glance before waving his hand dismissively. "Not sure about you, I'm sure you were called something stupid."

"My name is-"

"Don't care." His formerly slurring words sharpened quickly. The edge in his voice serving as their first warning. "What I do care about is the two of you scouting out this village. In fact, it makes me care enough that I think I might stay a little while longer, keep an eye on things."

"And we're supposed to care about that?" The younger one was cocky, but more than that he was angry. He knew Qrow as a traitor to the tribe, but the elder knew Qrow by reputation, and he shot daggers at his fool of a companion. "I don't think I give two shits about what you do. As a matter of fact, maybe it would be best if you do stay a few extra days, I wouldn't mind seeing the look on your face when I- HURK!"

He'd leaned in, glaring deep into Qrow's eyes and so focused on his threat he never saw the Huntsman move. A fist crashed into the man's throat, gagging him on his own saliva as he was grabbed, lifted and thrown across the room and through the front door, head banging on the doorframe as he tumbled out. Harbinger was in Qrow's hands next, sword point aimed at Brann who held his hands in surrender.

The front door swung open again, but it wasn't the bandit from before that came strolling through. Instead, it was the confident stride of the bitch he called his sister. She wasn't wearing her mask, making the disdain on her face clear to see, an expression mirrored on his own.

"Fancy meeting you here Qrow, I thought you would be in Vale licking Ozpins boots clean."

"Taking a stroll through the countryside, introducing myself to some of your friends. Gotta say, not very impressed."

She didn't react visibly to his taunt but did take several steps further inside before turning to face him fully. Her hand was resting on Omen. Ready to be drawn at a moment's notice or serve as a comfortable resting place for her hand. She hadn't yet decided.

"Not many in the tribe could measure up to us Qrow. We were different you and I. Strong. Better than the rest. Side by side, we could do anything we wanted. You used to understand that, before you threw your lot in with the puppet master, begged him to tie you in his strings."

"I used to be blind, like you still are." He snarled, lip curling and hand tightening on his weapon. "You don't even know what's coming, if you did, you'd be on your way to Vale too. Instead, you'd rather play with peoples lives to pretend to be powerful. Time for running and hidings coming to an end Raven, whether you like it or not."

She finally reacted, a snarl on her lips as her hand gripped Omen's hilt. Qrow prepared himself for the fight to come, before she suddenly relented.

"Brann, outside. Bring the weakling back with us. I don't see anything of value in this hole anyway." He rose and left quickly, and Raven waited until he was out the door before she began to turn and follow. "Always a pleasure to catch up brother, let's do it again sometime."

He waited as she left, sheathing his weapon but waiting for any further sound. There was nothing, nothing but the confused whisperings of the few remaining customers as they looked at him. A sigh broke from his lips as he went back to the bar, the bartender waiting in slight fear and beginning to raise his hands.

"I'm gonna need to give a warning to your mayor before I leave." He raised the bottle in his hand. "And I'm gonna need another bottle of this."