[-] Another Rusted Professor revised chapter.
COMMENTS:
[-]Gur40(qq):
According to word of CRWBY Jaune using his semblance is a minor permanent buff and the reason Ren Semblance evolved. So if prof was to Amp his students after each spar they'd both be fully healed but get stronger faster... and if he's going that to his past self daily with his insane growth rates [compare Jaune in minutes in the initiation vs Oscar needing a month in Haven]
[-]Avip:
I honestly didn't know that. Thanks for the comment, that's interesting.
--------------------------------
[Professor Ozpin]
"Jaune." I begin speaking, my voice firm and low. "I saw on the arena security feed your 'training' with your younger self."
Sighing tiredly, Jaune stares back at me without wavering before responding.
"It was necessary, Ozpin. I know that Jaune, he has dreams of being a great hero, but he is not training seriously."
I take a sip from my ever-present mug of coffee, letting the silence stretch for a moment.
"Necessary, perhaps. But what you did wasn't measured at all."
He leans forward, hands clasped tightly together.
"I know it wasn't…" He replies, hesitating for a second, but clenches his fists and responds determinedly. "But now that he had a reality check, I know he's on the right path."
I sigh tiredly at Professor Luna's reasoning. Even though he is right, I cannot agree with the way young Jaune was treated.
"Jaune…" I begin, my voice firm but compassionate. "I understand your intention, but we cannot just beat our students with the excuse that it's training."
The time traveler sits back in his chair before answering.
"I understand you Ozpin. I know I exaggerate, but from now on that is not necessary."
"Do I have your word that this will not happen again?" I ask in a severe tone.
"Arc's word, it will not happen again." Jaune replies, giving me a sincere smile.
I lean back in my chair, the tension in my shoulders eases a little. Jaune's promise with the Arc family name carries a weight that I cannot ignore. The room seems to breathe a sigh of relief with me, the air lighter now that the heavier part of our conversation is over.
"So, Professor Luna." I start, taking another sip of my coffee. "What do you have planned for your students?"
Jaune's lips curve into a thin smile that is equal parts amusement and predation. It is a look I have never seen in him before, one that speaks of challenges and trials.
"Inter-team work training." He says, his voice a low rumble, like distant thunder.
I raise an eyebrow, intrigued and a little confused.
"Very good." I say, placing my empty cup on the table. "I look forward to seeing what you have in store for them."
[Weiss Schnee]
"I need to calm down." I repeat in a whisper, trying to carry out the action. "I know it's early, two hours before classes start, but I've already come here, there's no reason not to talk to him."
I raise my hand, knuckles ready to rap against the wood, but I hesitate.
"Come on, Weiss…" I whisper to myself, clenching my fists. "You face Grimms. You can talk to a friendly teacher."
I straighten my shoulders, lift my chin, and knock firmly on the door. The sound echoes through the hallway, a declaration of my resolve. I wait anxiously, my breath catches in my throat, as the seconds tick by.
From inside, I hear metal hitting a wooden surface. Then, footsteps approach the door. My heart jumps into my throat when the doorknob turns and the door opens to reveal Professor Luna in casual clothes and a pink apron with a little white bunny printed on it.
"Weiss?" Questions the professor, surprised by my visit. "What do you need so early?"
The pink apron, tight around his muscular chest and ripped belly, is a stark contrast to the serious demeanor I expected from him.
[Image Chef Luna]
I open my mouth to speak, but the words stick in my throat.
"I-I-I w-want to t-talk t-to th-." I stutter nervously.
But luckily for me, Professor Luna silences me by raising a hand.
"You can stop there, I know why you're nervous." Says the teacher in a serious tone.
Surprised by his insight, I just stare at him in silence with a raised eyebrow.
"Of course the SDC heiress is furious with someone like me referring to her by her first name, I promise it will not happen again Miss Schnee."
…
"No!" I exclaim outraged.
"No?" The teacher asks, confused.
"I respect you a lot, sir, there's no problem calling me by my first name."
The relieved professor gives me a warm smile, capable of melting any skyscraper size glacier in Atlas territory.
"To tell the truth, you can call me whatever you want."
An uncomfortable silence ensues and my jaw drops as I realize the nonsense I just said. The professor in turn acts like a gentleman and completely ignores what I say.
"Since you're here really so early, would you like to have breakfast with me?"
I swallow my nerves, trying to salvage what little dignity I have left.
"I would love it." I reply, forcing a smile. The teacher walks away, gesturing for me to enter.
His quarters are surprisingly cozy, a stark contrast to the cold, impersonal offices/apartments of the other teachers. A small table by the window is set, a pot of coffee and a basket of freshly baked rolls. The aroma fills the room, warm and inviting.
"Please sit down." He says, pulling out a chair for me.
I hesitate for a moment, but then sit down, my back rigid, hands folded in my lap. He pours me a cup of coffee, the steam rises in a delicate dance.
"I must admit, I do not expect to see you here." He says, placing a plate with a stack of pancakes in front of me. "But I'm happy to welcome any of my students in need."
I try to dismiss the plate of pancakes politely, with an awkward smile on my face.
"Oh no, I could not…"
"Nonsense." Professor Luna interrupts, pushing the plate closer to me. "You're going to need energy today, my class will not be easy."
His tone is firm but gentle, leaving no room for argument. The aroma of the pancakes is tempting, a sweet, comforting smell that fills the room. I can almost taste the warmth and a hint of vanilla just from the fragrance of them.
I sigh, giving in as I pick up the fork. The first bite is divine, the pancakes light and fluffy, with just the right amount of sweetness. I cannot help but close my eyes briefly, savoring the taste.
"Good, aren't they?" Professor Luna asks, a hint of a smile playing on his lips.
I nod, swallowing hard before speaking.
"Yes, they are delicious. Thanks."
"You're welcome. Now tell me, what brings you here so early?" The teacher asks, focusing me once again on our conversation.
I straighten my posture, setting down my fork and folding my hands in my lap again.
"Professor Luna." I begin, my voice firm and formal. "I want to speak to you, sir, about a conversation I had with Professor Port yesterday."
Professor Luna raises an eyebrow, his expression curious.
"Oh? And what is this conversation about?"
I open up to him, I talk about how arrogant I was declaring that I am the best and most perfect on the RWBY team, I talk about how selfish I was demanding to be made the team leader and also how the teacher made me recognize my arrogance.
"I'm grateful for the reality check Professor Port gives me, but still…" I hesitate to continue, feeling vulnerable.
"It still hurts to have your flaws exposed and rubbed in your face?" The teacher asks in a serious tone.
I widen my eyes, surprised by Professor Luna's accuracy about what I am feeling. I open my mouth to answer him, but I cannot utter a response to him. The teacher gives a soft smile, his eyes reflecting deep understanding.
"What you are feeling is normal." The teacher says in a fatherly tone full of affection. "And to tell you the truth, I'm mentoring a first-year student with a similar problem."
"Mentoring?" I question with an arched eyebrow, curious about the teacher's statement. "And what does that entail?"
"I basically give him private lessons." The professor replies, taking a sip of coffee.
Even though I am curious to know what I need to do to have private classes with Professor Luna, I decide to return to the subject at hand.
"I understand that my problem may be common, but how can I deal with it? How can I be… better."
With his eyes reflecting an almost infinite kindness, Professor Luna gives me a warm, fatherly smile that makes my cheeks turn slightly pink.
"The fact that you are feeling this way and trying to improve yourself already makes you a better person, Weiss." Says the professor, drinking another cup of coffee. "I'm proud of the kind of woman you are becoming."
I look at him, touched by his words. It is a feeling I do not expect, but it resonates deeply with me.
"But…" He continues, his voice firm and comforting. "Exercising humility and deflating your ego is a healthy way to avoid future pain."
His words hit home deep in my ego. I have always been proud of my abilities, my status and my lineage. The idea of humility is strange, but not uncomfortable.
"I understand." I speak quietly, my voice softer than I intend. "It's just... I've always been told that as a Schnee I must be the best, that everyone needs to know that I'm at the top."
Scratching the back of his head with one hand, the teacher reflects on what I have said and then nods with his gentle expression.
"You can continue on your path to being the best, that is not the issue here. Just do not shout with a megaphone how much better and superior you are compared to everyone else."
I feel my cheeks flush at the teacher's words, heat spreading across my face like wildfire. His analogy, although exaggerated, is more accurate than I would like to admit. My father gave me the basis in my way of thinking, and although it hurts to have this exposed so clearly once again, I'm happy to be able to move away from this behavior.
"I appreciate your honesty and kindness, Professor Luna." I manage to say, my voice barely above a whisper. "When Professor Port spoke with me he was right, but he was a little… blunt with me."
Giving a melodious laugh, the teacher alleviates the tension that arises between us.
"Professor Port isn't always direct, but when he needs… he's as subtle as a punch in the nose."
A light chuckle escapes me as I stand up, thanking him once again for the conversation. Professor Luna also stands up and approaches, his presence fills the room. He places his large, calloused hand on my shoulder. Its weight is surprising, a reminder of the strength hidden beneath her calm demeanor.
"Whenever you need me, I'll be here to help you, Snow Angel."
His hand remains on my shoulder as a reminder of your strength, his wisdom and his kindness. It is a touch that calms me, that makes me feel seen.
I look at him, my heart pounds in my chest. His eyes, as deep blue as the ocean, hold a depth of understanding and experience that is both comforting and intimidating.
'By the Gods, he smells like pine and vanilla.' I scream mentally, using all my willpower to maintain my poker face. 'I need to buy aromatic oils with this kind fragrance.'
"T-thank you very much." I reply, stuttering a little.
He nods, a small smile plays on his lips.
"Excellent. I have faith in you, Weiss." The teacher says, walking me to the door. "And just because you're not a leader today does not mean you cannot be one in the future."
I look at Professor Luna, a hopeful smile spreads across my face like a child who receives a new bicycle for Christmas.
"Do you really think so?" I ask full of expectation.
He nods, his expression serious but gentle.
"You are young, dedicated, talented, courageous, intelligent and also… very elegant." The last one he says, moving his eyebrows in a humorous way. "But now if you'll excuse me I need to get ready for classes today."
When the door closes behind me, I stand there, my cheeks red and my heart pounding in my chest. The teacher's words echo in my mind, each one igniting a heat inside me.
'Dedicated, talented, courageous, intelligent and also very elegant.' The words repeat, each one resonating more deeply than the last.
I take a deep breath, trying to steady myself, but the churning in my stomach refuses to subside. The hallway seems to rotate slightly, the walls blend into a kaleidoscope of colors. I lean against the cold stone, feeling the solidity ground me.
"He called me elegant." I whisper to myself, a small smile tugs at the corners of my mouth.
It is a simple word, but it carries so much weight. It is a validation of everything I strive to be, an acknowledgment of the balance and grace I work so hard to maintain.
"Wait!" I exclaim, realizing something. "Did he call me… 'Snow Angel'?"
[Pyrrha Nikos]
The room buzzes with the usual morning bustle, but my thoughts are elsewhere.
I wanted more information about John Luna, but I found nothing on dust-net or in the research I did in the past year about Huntsman and Huntress institutions. None of the big four academies fad Professor Luna's name as a teacher. In other words, in addition to not being a Beacon faculty member at that time, he also did not transfer from any of the other three.
'It would be less suspicious if he were a teacher-in-training, but no… he came posing as a substitute.' I think in silence.
On the first day my instincts hammered my mind with suspicion, suspicion nipping at the edges of my curiosity.
'Who is this man and why does he descend upon Beacon like a ghost appearing out of nowhere?' I think silently.
But then, I saw him in action. The fluidity of his movements, the precision of his strikes, is like watching a master at work. He danced around Yang's fury with an ease that proves his expertise, each step calculated, each movement a testament to years of honed skill.
An exceptional huntsman being asked to teach the next generation is not unusual. So my doubts began to subside, replaced by a reluctant respect. This man knows what he is doing, his knowledge and skill are unquestionable.
However… the memory of Jaune's limping the night before reignited my doubts.
Professor Luna may be skilled, but he is also ruthless. The cruelty he showed Jaune leaves a bitter taste in my mouth. Jaune is inexperienced, yes, but he is also dedicated and kind. Seeing him reduced to a shadow of himself, all because of one man's severity, stirs a deep resentment within me.
The respect I began to feel for him now wars with a growing disdain.
'How can a teacher at Beacon be so cruel?'
Clapping hands breaks my train of thought, when I look at the source of the sound I see the teacher drawing the students' attention.
"Alright, class calm down." He orders, his tone authoritative and more serious than usual.
The room falls silent almost instantly, all eyes turn to the front, where he stands, his posture erect and his gaze unyielding.
"Today, we will focus on teamwork in an unconventional way." He announces, his voice echoing through the room. "Those who hear their names called, come before me ready to fight."
'Only three?' I question internally. 'The normal thing is to train in fours or pairs when it comes to teams.'
"Weiss Schnee, Jaune Arc and Cardin Winchester!" He announces loudly. "You three will make a team to face me."
The room erupts in whispers, a low hum of confusion and surprise running through the students. Eyebrows raise, heads turn and shoulders shrug as everyone tries to understand the team's unusual composition.
"Wow, now that is a problematic team." Yang murmurs, leaning into Blake. "I think the only way it could be more chaotic is if there were a faunus with them."
Blake freezes for a second, but gives a forced laugh, agreeing with Yang.
I look at Jaune, who looks just as perplexed as the rest of us. His eyes meet mine briefly, a silent question passes between us. I offer him a small, encouraging smile, but his expression remains worried.
Cardin, on the other hand, wears a smug smile, clearly pleased with the opportunity to show off.
The SDC heiress, on the other hand, has a serious and concentrated expression on her face, as if she has been called by a superior to prove something.
In a few minutes, the three of them equip and go to the center of the room in front of the professor wearing black armor, different from the rusty one he wore last time.
'That must be the armor he used when training with Jaune.'
"Today, we will simulate a real-world scenario." Professor Luna explains, his voice clear and authoritative. "There will be times in your careers as Huntsmen when you will have to work with strangers, people you have never met before. That's why I choose a different member from each team for this fight."
The room falls silent, each student hanging on to their words. I lean forward, my curiosity piqued. This is a new approach, one that promises to test our adaptability.
"Your task is simple." He continues. "You must work together to defeat me. Weiss, you will be the leader for this exercise."
Weiss's eyes widen a little, but she quickly composes herself, standing a little straighter. I can see the wheels turning in her mind as she begins to strategize.
"Hold on." Cardin interrupts, his voice tinged with arrogance. "Why don't you let me lead? After all, I am already a very successful, competent and might I add, a humble leader."
"I'm also a leader-." Jaune tries to speak.
"Please, Arc." Cardin says, silencing Jaune. "Adults are talking."
Professor Luna's gaze sharpens, his voice drops to a low, stern tone.
"If you are such a good leader, you need to practice following orders and not giving them." The teacher replies, giving a slightly threatening smile.
Cardin's mouth closes, his smug expression replaced by a frown. Weiss, meanwhile, looks thoughtful, her eyes scanning the room as if already planning her first move.
Jaune looks nervous but determined, his hands gripping his weapon tightly. I catch his eye and give him a little encouraging wave. He returns a grateful smile, his grip relaxes slightly.
"You have five minutes to discuss your combat strategy." Professor Luna says, taking a step back. "After that, the battle begins. There will not be any ring outs. Only red Aura, fainting and surrender will end this fight." The professor concludes by putting on his black helmet.
------------------------------------------
E ai gurizada,
[-]Today's chapter was lighter than the first ones, just as I had envisioned this fic would be. The comedy and slice of life elements will appear more and more, but I won't take all the action out of the plot because the nature of the original show was action.