Chapter 12: 12- Battle Class and A Lesson
Ron straightened up slightly, his demeanor shifting into a more composed state.
[Ron]: (respectfully) Professor.
Ozpin took another sip of his coffee, his gaze sweeping over the group before resting on Ron.
[Ozpin]: (evenly) While it's important to express your thoughts, remember that everyone here is still growing. Words can either build someone up or break them down, especially at a critical time like this.
Adrian, feeling the weight of Ozpin's words, nodded, his earlier defensiveness melting away.
[Adrian]: (softly) Understood, sir.
Ozpin's gaze softened slightly, and he gave a small nod, seeming satisfied with their responses.
[Ozpin]: (encouragingly) Keep that in mind as you continue your journey here at Beacon. You're all part of the same team now, whether in your own teams or in the larger sense. Support each other, even when it's difficult.
With that, Ozpin turned and walked away, leaving Team GRAM to reflect on the encounter. Ron exhaled, his usual calm exterior back in place as he looked at his team.
[Ron]: (quietly) Let's keep moving. We've got more important things to focus on.
With that, Ron left the group, leaving Adrian and Gaster standing with Ruby, who still looked downcast.
[Ruby]: (whispering) I just wanted to do my best...
Adrian stepped closer, his presence reassuring as he gently placed a hand on Ruby's shoulder.
[Adrian]: (softly) You are doing your best, Ruby. Don't let her words get to you. She's just frustrated, but that doesn't mean you're not a good leader.
Gaster, who had been more blunt earlier, now spoke with a rare gentleness, his gaze steady as he met Ruby's eyes.
[Gaster]: (gently) Leadership isn't about proving yourself to everyone; it's about guiding those who follow. You've earned your place, Ruby, and you've got what it takes.
Ruby looked up at them, the reassurance in their words easing the weight she had felt. A small smile formed on her face as she nodded.
With their support, Ruby's spirits lifted, and together they left the hallway. Ozpin also met with Ruby and talked with her about some stuff, He also met with Ron about a certain flying coffee maker.
As the day wound down and the final class came to a close, Adrian and Gaster made their way back to the dorm. They found Maple and Ron sitting in the kitchen, the air thick with the savory aroma of green curry. Maple's usual bright demeanor was noticeably subdued as she picked at her food. Ron, sitting beside her, seemed unusually relaxed, sipping from a freshly brewed cup of coffee.
Maple looked up as the two entered, her eyes reflecting a mixture of concern and disappointment.
[Maple]: (softly) I've been thinking about what happened with Weiss earlier. She was really upset, you know? I could tell she was hurt, even if she tried to hide it. I ended up using Syrup to help calm her down. It just… didn't feel right, the way things went.
Maple's small flying pet turtle, Syrup, peeked out from her armer as if sensing the tension in the room. The tiny creature had always been a source of comfort for Maple, and today it has played a crucial role in soothing Weiss during her emotional turmoil.
Adrian and Gaster exchanged glances, the weight of Maple's words sinking in. Gaster, who had been blunt with Weiss, felt a twinge of guilt as he reflected on the encounter. Adrian, too, realized that his harshness might have been unnecessary.
[Adrian]: (sighing) You're right, Maple. We might have gone too far. I was just so frustrated seeing Ruby get torn down like that, but maybe I should've handled it differently.
Gaster, usually the most composed, now looked slightly uneasy. He took a deep breath before speaking, his voice more measured than before.
[Gaster]: (calmly) I let my own feelings get in the way. Weiss is still just a kid, and I should have considered that before speaking so harshly. We'll make it right.
Ron, who had been quietly sipping his coffee, finally spoke up, a slight smirk on his face.
[Ron]: (lightly) Well, while you two were out, I had a little chat with Ozpin. Turns out, he's more interested in a certain flying coffee maker than the mess we made with Weiss.
Adrian and Gaster both looked at Ron, eyebrows raised in confusion.
[Gaster]: (curiously) A flying coffee maker? What did you do this time, Ron?
Ron chuckled, setting his cup down and leaning back in his chair.
[Ron]: (grinning) I might've accidentally created a flying coffee maker that decided to take a little joyride around Beacon. Ozpin caught it and brought it back, but not before it gave the faculty a bit of a surprise.
The room filled with laughter, the tension from earlier easing as they shared the moment. Even Maple couldn't help but giggle at the thought of a rogue coffee maker zooming through the halls of Beacon.
[Maple]: (smiling) Well, at least we're not the only ones causing trouble around here.
[Ron]: (with a wink) Trouble is our specialty, Maple. But seriously, we'll make things right with Weiss. Tomorrow's a new day, and we've got a lot to do.
The next day, Team GRAM observed a noticeable improvement in the dynamics of Team RWBY. The tension that had previously strained their interactions seemed to have eased, allowing them to work together more effectively. Over the following weeks, the three teams—GRAM, RWBY, and JNPR—grew closer as they trained together, each member contributing their strengths to help one another grow.
During this time, the members of Team GRAM found their unique paths.
Gaster, ever the scientist, delved into the mysteries of Dust and Aura. His relentless experimentation led to the discovery of his Semblance, "Bone Helpers." This power allowed him to summon skeletons in lab coats or armor to assist him, adding a new dimension to his combat and research capabilities.
Maple, with her kind heart and warm personality, quickly became one of the most popular girls at Beacon. She made numerous friends and earned a reputation for her steadfastness. Her Semblance, "Fortress," provided an impenetrable sanctuary that no Grimm or enemy could breach, making her a vital asset in defensive situations.
Adrian took on the role of mentor, particularly to Jaune, who was struggling to find his place. Adrian's guidance was invaluable, and his Semblance, "Shadow Twin," proved to be a powerful tool. This ability allowed him to create a shadow double with the same appearance and strength, giving him an edge in both training and battle.
Ron, always resourceful, found a niche as the Academy's underground ramen seller. His ramen became a hit, with even Ozpin making visits to his hidden ramen stand. This side venture not only satisfied his need for creativity but also connected him with students and faculty in unexpected ways.
And today they had a Combat class where they saw Jaune Get defeated by Cardin Winchester even when he got Cardin's aura meter to the yellow.
In the Combat class, Jaune faced off against Cardin Winchester. Despite his best efforts, Jaune was defeated, even though he managed to bring Cardin's Aura meter down to yellow. The outcome left a visible impact on him, and as the class ended, the students made their way to the cafeteria.
At the cafeteria, Nora animatedly recounted a bizarre dream, while Ren quietly corrected her exaggerations. Meanwhile, Adrian, noticing Jaune's troubled expression, couldn't shake the concern he felt for his friend.
[Adrian]: Jaune, are you okay?
[Jaune]: (caught off guard) Huh? Oh, yeah. Why?
[Ruby]: It's just... you seem a little not okay.
The table fell into an uneasy silence as everyone observed Jaune closely.
[Jaune]: (forcing a smile) Guys, I'm fine. Seriously, look.
Jaune's attempt at reassurance only deepened their concern. The tension at their table was interrupted by a loud burst of laughter from across the cafeteria. Turning their heads, they saw Cardin and his team, CRDL, mocking a Faunus girl, their cruel laughter echoing through the room.
[Gaster]: (gritting his teeth) This little—
Ron quickly grabbed Gaster's arm, preventing him from standing up.
[Ron]: We handle this as a team, later.
Pyrrha, who had been quietly observing Jaune, leaned in closer, her voice gentle yet firm.
[Pyrrha]: Jaune, Cardin has been picking on you since the first week of school.
[Jaune]: (shrugging) Who, Cardin Winchester? He just likes to mess around.
[Adrian]: (firmly) Jaune, he's a bully.
[Jaune]: (defensive) Oh, please. Name one time he's bullied me.
[Gaster]: (deadpan) The books in the hallway.
A flashback played out in Jaune's mind—he remembered holding a stack of books when Cardin casually knocked them out of his hands, sending them tumbling to the ground. Gaster had been there, using one of his hands to pick up Jaune's books while his other six hands delivered a swift series of punches to Cardin until Ozpin intervened.
[Jaune]: (shrugging) It was just an accident...
[Ron]: (raising an eyebrow) When he activated your shield and got you stuck in the doorway.
Another flashback—a hallway scene where Jaune was on his way to class. Cardin, with a smirk, clicked Jaune's sheath, extending the shield and jamming Jaune in the doorway. Ron had been there to help Jaune get unstuck, and immediately after, he had attacked Cardin until the professor stepped in.
[Jaune]: (starting to falter) A...
[Adrian]: (cutting in) Don't get us started on the rocket locker.
The final flashback showed Cardin shoving Jaune into a rocket locker and randomly pressing buttons, sending Jaune rocketing far from the school. When Cardin turned around, he was met by the members of Team GRAM, who promptly threw him into another locker and launched him just as far.
[Ron]: (grinning) Good memories.
[Jaune]: (trying to downplay it) I didn't land far from the school...
[Gaster]: (seriously) Jaune, we searched for you for five hours. You were almost Grimm dinner when we finally found you.
[Pyrrha]: (gently) Jaune, you know if you need help, you can just ask.
[Adrian]: (nodding in agreement) Pyrrha's right, Jaune. We're your friends, and we don't like seeing you hurt.
Adrian's voice was calm, but there was an underlying firmness in his words as he took another sip from his coffee can.
[Jaune]: (nervously) Guys, really, it's fine! Besides, it's not like he's only a jerk to me; he's a jerk to everyone.
Suddenly, a cry echoed through the cafeteria, drawing their attention. Cardin was bullying a Faunus girl with rabbit ears, tugging on them as she pleaded for him to stop.
[Ron]: (voice cold) That crossed the line.
Without another word, Ron and the rest of Team GRAM stood up and marched toward Cardin and his team. Cardin, still pulling on the girl's ears, felt a hand on his shoulder. He turned around slowly, only to be met with a flying fist from Gaster.
The impact was swift and brutal as Gaster's other hands joined in, delivering relentless punches. Meanwhile, Ron, Adrian, and Maple handled the rest of Team CRDL with precision and without mercy. The cafeteria was filled with gasps and murmurs, but no one dared to interfere as Team GRAM delivered a swift and overwhelming lesson.
After a minute of non-stop violence, Team GRAM returned to their table, leaving Cardin and his team groaning on the floor, bruised and battered.
[Nora]: (grinning) Well, that was satisfying.
[Jaune]: (stunned) You guys didn't have to do that...
[Ron]: (calmly) Bullies only understand one language, Jaune. And we just spoke it fluently.
[Gaster]: (shrugging) Besides, someone had to put him in his place.
[Adrian]: (taking another sip of coffee) And if he tries anything again, we'll remind him of this lesson.
The atmosphere at the table was intense, but the bond between them was clear. They weren't just a team; they were a family that looked out for one another. As they resumed their meal, the Faunus girl timidly approached their table, her eyes filled with gratitude.
[Faunus Girl]: (softly) Thank you... for what you did.
[Maple]: (smiling warmly) Don't mention it. No one should have to put up with that.
She nodded, her ears perking up slightly before she hurried off. Team GRAM watched her go,
[Chapter end]