Ron’s Journey Through Remnant

In the history class with Doctor Oobleck, Team GRAM took their seats, each with their own focus. Adrian sat beside Jaune, subtly helping him with the lesson while taking occasional sips from his ever-present coffee. Gaster and Maple were diligently taking notes, capturing the key points of the lecture. Ron, however, kept his eyes on Cardin, his expression unreadable but his focus unwavering.

[Oobleck]: (energetic) Yes! Yes! Prior to the Faunus Rights Revolution—more popularly known as the Faunus War—humankind was quite adamant about centralizing the Faunus population in Menagerie.

Doctor Oobleck's voice filled the room, his enthusiasm making the topic come alive, though the weight of the subject hung heavy in the air.

[Oobleck]: (animated) Now! While this may feel like ancient history to many of you, it is imperative to remember that these are relatively recent events! Why, the repercussions of the uprising can still be seen to this day!

Oobleck took a quick sip from his coffee cup, his eyes scanning the room with a sharp, almost curious intensity.

[Oobleck]: (suddenly serious) Now! Have any among you been subjugated or discriminated against because of your Faunus heritage?

A moment of silence followed his question, and then hands began to rise. Ron, Gaster, and Adrian all raised their hands without hesitation. A few other Faunus students followed suit, their faces reflecting a mix of defiance and resignation.

[Oobleck]: Dreadful simply dreadful! Remember students, it is precisely this kind of ignorance that breeds violence!

He takes another sip of his coffee.

[Oobleck]: I mean, I mean, I mean just look at what happened to White Fang! Now, which one of you young scholars can tell me what many theorize to be the turning point in the third year of the War?

As Weiss and Gaster raised their hands simultaneously, the rest of Teams GRAM and RWBY couldn't help but notice the intensity between them. It was as if sparks were flying through the air, and behind each of them, ethereal images formed—Weiss with a majestic snow leopard, and Gaster with a towering skeleton.

[Oobleck]: (excitedly) Yes?

[Weiss/Gaster]: (in unison) The Battle of Fort Castle!

[Oobleck]: (nodding) Precisely! And who can tell me the advantage the Faunus had over General Lagune's forces?

Before anyone else could respond, Jaune stood up, determined to participate despite his earlier struggles.

[Jaune]: (confidently) Night vision!

However, as soon as he finished speaking, a crumpled ball of paper hit him. Jaune turned to see Cardin grinning smugly, clearly pleased with his disruption.

[Oobleck]: (impressed) Very good, Mr. Arc! I see you've done your homework.

[Cardin]: (under his breath) Lucky guess.

Oobleck, however, wasn't about to let Cardin's behavior go unnoticed.

[Oobleck]: (pointedly) Well, Mr. Winchester! Perhaps you would care to share your thoughts on the subject?

Cardin smirked, leaning back in his chair with an air of arrogance.

[Cardin]: (mockingly) Well, I know it's a lot easier to train an animal than a soldier.

His words hung in the air, dripping with disdain. The room fell silent, tension building as everyone waited to see how this would unfold.

[Pyrrha]: (calmly but firmly) You're not the most open-minded of individuals, are you, Cardin?

[Cardin]: (defiantly) What? You got a problem?

Before Pyrrha could respond, Gaster, who had been simmering with anger from the start, took the opportunity to step in.

[Gaster]: (coldly) Yes, if you don't close that mouth of yours, the pain that's coming will make you regret every word.

The intensity in Gaster's voice was palpable, and Cardin visibly tensed, his bravado faltering. However, before things could escalate further, Maple gently placed a hand on Gaster's shoulder, a silent reminder to stay calm.

[Ron]: (calm but firm) Gaster, we just need to give him some advice.

Though Ron's tone was measured, the unsettling calm in his eyes hinted at a much deeper threat. Cardin, noticing this, froze in place, realizing that he had pushed too far. Gaster, recognizing the shift, relaxed slightly and turned his attention back to Oobleck.

[Gaster]: (politely) Excuse me, sir, I'd like to extend Jaune's answer. Many Faunus are known for their near-perfect sight in the dark, an ability they've evolved over time. This gives Faunus soldiers and Hunters significant advantages in certain environments, making them more capable in battle than regular humans in such conditions.

Not wanting to be outdone, Weiss quickly chimed in, eager to show her knowledge as well.

[Weiss]: (confidently) General Lagune was inexperienced and made the critical mistake of trying to ambush the Faunus in their sleep. His massive army was outmatched by the Faunus' superior night vision and tactical prowess, leading to his eventual capture.

The classroom was silent for a moment as Oobleck took in the answers. His expression shifted from one of curiosity to approval, recognizing the depth of knowledge displayed by both Weiss and Gaster.

As the class ended, Team GRAM dispersed, each member going their separate ways for the remainder of the day.

Adrian noticed Jaune and Pyrrha lingering behind, deep in conversation. Curious and concerned, he decided to join them, hoping to offer his support and maybe even some advice.

Meanwhile, Gaster, ever the scientist, returned to his ongoing experiments with Aura and Dust. His latest creation was a living plant imbued with Aura, which emitted a green gas that soon spread throughout the Academy. This, combined with his previous experiments—like the purple snow that compelled anyone who touched it to dance uncontrollably, and the snake powder that turned hair silver—had caught the attention of the faculty. Before long, Gaster was summoned to Ozpin's office for a "small talk" about the safety and implications of his increasingly unpredictable experiments.

As for Maple, she teamed up with Ron to manage the underground ramen stall, which had quickly become the Academy's best-kept secret. The stall was tucked away in a secluded corner of the campus, known only to a select few students and faculty members. Despite its hidden location, word had spread about the stall's unique and delicious offerings, drawing in a steady stream of customers—including, on occasion, Ozpin himself.

[With Adrian]

As the trio ascended to the rooftop of one of the Beacon Academy buildings, the view was breathtaking. The glowing green orbs from the central tower cast an ethereal light over the entire campus, creating a peaceful atmosphere that contrasted sharply with the turmoil inside Jaune.

[Jaune]: (confused and uneasy) Wh-what?

[Adrian]: (calmly) Jaune, just take a moment to relax. It'll help you clear your head.

[Jaune]: (defensive) You think I need help?

[Adrian]: (softening his tone) That's not what I meant, Jaune.

[Jaune]: (frustrated) But you just said it.

[Pyrrha]: (gently stepping in) Jaune, everybody needs a little push from time to time. It doesn't make you any different from the rest of us. You made it to Beacon! That speaks volumes about what you're capable of!

[Jaune]: (voice trembling) You're wrong. I-I don't belong here.

[Pyrrha]: (firm but caring) That's a terrible thing to say! Of course, you do, Jaune!

Adrian exchanged a glance with Pyrrha before speaking again, his voice steady and filled with understanding.

[Adrian]: (encouragingly) Jaune, everyone here has their own struggles, their own doubts. You're not alone in feeling like this. But don't let those doubts define you. You've already proven you have what it takes to be here.

Jaune looked at both of them, his defenses beginning to crumble. The weight of his insecurities was heavy.

Adrian watched Jaune with a mix of concern and understanding as Jaune revealed the truth he'd been holding back. Pyrrha looked shocked, trying to process what she had just heard.

[Jaune]: (frustrated, yet resigned) No, I don't! (He sighs deeply, turning his back to them as if he can't bear to face them.) I wasn't really accepted into Beacon...

[Pyrrha]: (bewildered, her voice trembling) Wh-what do you mean?

Jaune hesitated for a moment before finally revealing his secret, the weight of it evident in his voice.

[Jaune]: (bitterly) I mean, I didn't go to combat school, I didn't pass any tests. I didn't earn my spot at this Academy! (He turns to look at her again, his eyes filled with a mix of shame and desperation.) I lied! I got my hands on some fake transcripts, and I lied!

[Pyrrha]: (stunned, her voice soft) What? But... why?

[Jaune]: (turning away again, his voice heavy with regret) Because this is always what I've wanted to be! My father, my grandfather, and his father before him were all warriors! They were all heroes! (His voice cracks as he continues.) I wanted to be one, too. I was just never good enough.

The tension in the air was thick as Jaune's words echoed on the rooftop, his voice cracking with a mix of anger and despair. Pyrrha and Adrian exchanged worried glances, understanding the pain behind Jaune's outburst.

[Adrian]: (gently) Jaune...

[Pyrrha]: (earnestly) Then let us help you!

But Jaune was quick to pull away, his frustration spilling over.

[Jaune]: (raising his voice) I don't want help! I don't want to be the damsel in distress! I want to be the hero!

Adrian tried to intervene, his voice calm yet firm.

[Adrian]: (soothingly) Jau—

But Jaune cut him off, his emotions boiling over.

[Jaune]: (shouting) I'm tired of being the lovable idiot, stuck in the tree while his friends fight for their lives! Don't you understand? If I can't do this on my own... then what good am I?

The words hung heavily between them, filled with a deep sense of inadequacy and fear. Pyrrha reached out, her hand trembling slightly as she tried to touch Jaune's arm, hoping to offer some comfort. But Jaune recoiled, leaning back to avoid her touch, his eyes brimming with unshed tears.

[Jaune]: (pleading) Just... leave me alone. Okay?

Pyrrha's hand faltered, her heart aching as she saw the pain in Jaune's eyes. She wanted so desperately to help him, to show him that he wasn't alone, but she could see that he wasn't ready to accept it. She lowered her hand, her voice barely above a whisper.

[Pyrrha]: (sadly) If that's what you think is best...

Her voice was soft, but the weight of her words carried a deep sorrow. She turned away, her heart aching for her friend who was struggling so profoundly. Adrian watched her leave in silence, feeling a mix of empathy and frustration. He then turned to Jaune, determined to reach out one last time.

[Adrian]: (pleadingly) Jaune, you can't just cast everyone away. She wants to help you. I want to help you. We...

Jaune cut him off, his voice strained.

[Jaune]: I don't need help. I just need to get stronger. I want to show everyone that I'm capable.

[Adrian]: But not by yourself, you're not.

Jaune was momentarily speechless, the intensity of his struggle showing on his face.

[Jaune]: ...

[Adrian]: Jaune, look, I know how you feel—

[Jaune]: (cutting him off again) NO, you don't! You're strong and smart, and everyone on your team trusts you with their lives. Your skills are those of a master. You don't know how it feels...

Adrian listened, a deep sadness crossing his face as he absorbed Jaune's frustration.

[Jaune]: ...the feeling of weakness and helplessness... the fear that they'll look at you differently... THE FEELING OF SEEING THE ONES YOU LOVE IN DANGER AND YOU CAN DO NOTHING!

Adrian was taken aback by Jaune's outburst, his eyes wide with shock.

[Adrian]: (calmly but firmly) If this is how you see it, then find your own way, Jaune.

He turned and walked away, leaving Jaune alone on the rooftop. The silence that followed was heavy and profound. Jaune stood there, grappling with the tumult of his emotions, the weight of his own insecurities pressing down on him.

[Side Story: Ramen Stall]

In the dimly lit, hidden corner of the Academy, two men in masks stood before a nondescript door. The first man, wearing a serpent mask, knocked gently.

The door creaked open to reveal a figure in a fox mask, eyes sharp and assessing.

[Fox Mask]: Name.

[Mr. Snake]: Mr. Snake and Mr. Skull.

[Fox Mask]: Wait, is the forbidden ingredient present?

[Mr. Snake]: The pineapple.

The Fox Masked figure nodded, checking an unseen list.

[Fox Mask]: Very well. Who is the one that shall not cook?

[Mr. Snake]: Jamie Oliver.

The Fox Masked figure gestured to them through the door.

[Fox Mask]: Enter and head left.

The two men followed the instructions, moving down a dim corridor that led to a quaint, secretive restaurant. Inside.

The two men, Mr. Snake and Mr. Skull, took their seats at the small table, their masks casting curious shadows under the dim light of the hidden ramen stall. The ambient murmur of masked patrons created a sense of seclusion and intrigue, and the rich aroma of ramen filled the air.

A masked waiter returned, carrying a tray laden with steaming bowls of ramen. The scent of the broth and noodles was comforting and inviting.

[Mr. Skull]: (addressing Mr. Snake) Headmaster, if you ever need assistance in entering this place, you need only ask.

[Mr. Snake]: (nodding) Call me Mr. Snake. We are in a place where names shall not be spoken. Here, we simply enjoy our ramen. And, I must mention, I've been under the watchful eye of Miss Glynda for the past few days.

The waiter placed the bowls in front of them, each dish a steaming masterpiece of rich broth, tender noodles, and various toppings.

[Mr. Skull]: (raising his bowl) To discretion and delicious ramen.

[Mr. Snake]: (raising his bowl in return) To the secrets we keep and the ramen we savor.

They began to eat, savoring the flavors and enjoying the brief respite from their covert activities. The conversation turned to lighter topics, their voices blending with the ambient noise of the hidden restaurant.

[Mr. Skull]: So, how goes the preparation for the upcoming events?

[Mr. Snake]: (taking a sip of the broth) As planned. But Glynda's presence is a complication. We must tread carefully.

[Mr. Skull]: Agreed. Her vigilance may lead to unwanted attention. We must ensure our operations remain discreet.

The conversation continued, their words interspersed with the clinking of chopsticks and the occasional sip of broth. The ramen stall, a haven of secrecy and camaraderie, provided them a momentary escape from the complexities of their world, allowing them to focus on their mission and their meal.

[Chapter end]