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dyde21 · 8 years ago

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Mechanic 15: The Practice

I’m very very sorry how long this chapter took to come out. I’ll explain why after the story, but I hope this makes up for it a little. Oh, and if you have seen Captain America: Civil War you may recognize a scene from it. >.> Also I mention Ren’s Semblance so spoilers if you havent seen Vol 4 in it’s entirety.

Uhh and anyone who’s a follower of mine for a while will recognize my OC’s in here. They won’t be in the remaining chapters, so I hope you’ll bare with them for this one, sorry. I try to avoid dragging my OC’s into my other writings. >.> I hope they’re okay, but they wont show up in the rest.

XxXxXxXxX

Pyrrha cupped her hands in front of her mouth as she cheered loudly.

“You can do it! Nora! Ren!”

Jaune leaned forward next to her. “Come on guys! You got this!”

Pyrrha was excited, but Jaune was practically falling out of his seat as he leaned forward, watching the fight intently.

Next to the pair, Jane let out a hoarse call, but it could barely reach Pyrrha's ears. Pyrrha looked over sadly. Jane had fallen rather ill at the beginning of the week. It was still the middle of the week, and the doctor had said that they expected she would be fully recovered by the festival, but that meant she was unable to participate in final round of 2v2 battles being hosted.

By extension, that meant Pyrrha also had to the sit the day out. She was confident in her teamwork, and knew that their team wouldn't have made some last minute jump in strength at the final practice. Nor was it Jane's fault for getting sick. But, when Jaune had texted her that morning that he was going to be dropping by with his sister to check out the final practice round, she really wished she would have been able to show off to him again. After all, she knew he liked watching fights, and while her big plan was to make him proud at the festival, today could have just been a little bonus to cheer up his spirits after being sick. Instead, he was a little convinced he had been the cause of Jane's sickness somehow.

But what happens, happens. So she'd settle for spending the day watching fights with him and trading commentary.

Down on the stage Nora and Ren were plenty excited for the match. Nora always loved a good match, but Jaune cheering her on really had her engines running. Ren was a little more calm, but if Jaune was counting on him to win he wasn't going to let his friend down.

Glancing over, he saw Nora going toe to toe with her half of the pair. Their opponents were visiting students from Vacuo and they were a bit of a handful.

Ren's foe was an average looking guy, but he was a slippery one. He seemed to have a knack for evading, almost none of Ren's hits could land cleanly. Ren was glad he had been the one matched up against him, out of their team he had the best chance of aside from Pyrrha, who likely would have had her hands full with her sword and shield combo. His bladed sub-machine guns provided him the perfect assistance for someone who seemed so keep moving so fluidly.

Nora on the other hand seemed to be having a blast with her partner. He was a bear fannus, and he certainly looked the part. The massive man towered over all the other students in the room. His strength seemed to be a match for Nora as well. Every time the man's massive club collided with Nora's hammer the ground would shake slightly from the impact. There were some seriously powerful hits going on. But Nora's foe didn't seem to be too strong.

“Nora! Mine then yours.” Ren called out after a moment. They were at a stalemate, and if things kept up this way it wasn't clear who would win. They needed to use their teamwork. After all, no one here shared the past Ren and Nora did. They couldn't keep up with their teamwork.

“Gotcha Ren!” Nora said cheerfully as she hopped up, landing on the massive club of her foe as he swung. Riding the momentum, she flew off the other side, skidding to a stop behind Ren's foe.

Before the oaf could realize what had happened, Nora was dashing forward.

“Right, Ren!” She ordered as she swung her hammer as she ran, readying her strike.

Ren sighed as he continued his assault. His opponent was clever, clearly the brains of their duo. Knowing Nora was approaching, he prepared to dodge to the left to avoid her strike. What he hadn't expected was to feel Ren's powerful kick slam into his side, pushing him to the left.

Before he could recover his balance and dodge, Nora's hammer crashed into his side like a train, sending him flying across the room and off the raised platform they had made to simulate the tournament on a smaller scale.

“Nora, we went over this. If you're giving directions to me, and we're facing opposite ways the sides are flipped. My right is your left, and your right is my left.” He explained. He knew his partner well enough to know she would slip up in the heat of battle. Luckily, he knew what she meant and that confusion had let them get the upper hand. Now all that was left was...

Ren's eyes widened as he leaned backwards, seeing the massive club pass inches above his nose, right where his head had been. The bear Fannus seemed enraged at the moment.

A moment later Nora's hammer appeared though and slammed into the man's chest, sliding him backwards.

“Tch.” Nora let out an annoyed sigh, she had meant to send him flying with that hit. She was having fun playing with him before, but now it was getting boring. Plus, now Ren was in his line of fire and she wasn't about to let him get hurt.

It seemed the man wasn't too fond of his friend being sent flying though. His strikes were getting faster and stronger. Nora raised her hammer, but was still sent flying across the ground.

“Nora!” Ren called out in worry.

The large man stumbled towards her as he raised his club. Pressing a switch, the club glowed red suddenly. Ren recognized instantly it was similar to Weiss's rapier. Dust was infusing the weapon. With his strength, adding dust would be a disaster.

As he raised his club above his head Ren slammed his hand down on the ground. Nora faded to a dull gray suddenly.

The large bear fannus was about to strike down when he paused. He had completely lost track of the little girl that was before him just a moment ago. He turned to try and find her, when the sound of electricity crackling filled the arena.

A moment later Magnhild slammed into his side, Nora letting out a scream of effort. At first, it looked like nothing would happen but a heartbeat later the man's feet left the ground and he went flying, skidding off the platform as the buzzer rang out.

“Match over! Victory goes to Ren and Nora!” Glynda announced.

The crowd burst into cheers and applause, the home team being a little more favored in this group. Nora and Ren moved back to their teammates and friends.

Glynda waved her crop, the various pieces of the shattered floor flying back to their proper place and repairing themselves. “Now then, it's been a long day but it seems we finally finished our matches. It's a shame Jane was sick today, as they were not able to compete. Also my apologies to Tyler and Ashe who were also forced to abstain due to a lack of opponents.

Jane just looked down, fidgeting with the end of her shirt. She really didn't want to be the reason Pyrrha couldn't practice. She jumped slightly when she felt a hand on her shoulder, though Pyrrha just smiled at her comfortingly. There wasn't anything to be done.

“Hold it.” Alice's voice rang out, causing team JNPR to look up, and Jaune to flinch instinctively. That was never a good sound for him.

“Let Jaune and Pyrrha be partners. This is just practice, and they're as experienced as the other first years here in working together.”

Glynda sighed. “While their sparring was fine last time, I could hardly condone an unofficial student pairing fighting in such a setting.

“Jaune can do it!” Jane croaked out. She was disappointed that she couldn't fight with Pyrrha, but she felt foolish for not realizing Jaune had been there too. She had been dragged to train with them some mornings when Pyrrha wanted Jaune to spar against a foe with her style, and she knew he had come far. Still perhaps not quite on the level of normal students, but Pyrrha's latent ability would be enough to cover up for his weaknesses.

Jaune just looked helpless, realizing his future was once again out of his control. “I don't want to drag Pyrrha down. What if she gets hurt?” He offered, glancing over at Pyrrha.

Pyrrha was just as shocked as Jaune was. She hadn't considered the option, not because of Jaune's current level, it just hadn't crossed her mind. She had only thought of him as someone in the stands. Though, now that she thought about it she felt confident that they could certainly practice in a match together. They were as comfortable with each other in battle about as much as she was with her team from their sheer volume of practice. Before she could voice her thoughts, a new voice chimed in.

“Yeah, I wouldn't want my sister to hurt Alice's baby brother.”

Alice's head snapped to the side as her eyes narrowed. “Oh don't tell me their opponents would be...”

Smirking, a tall brunette crossed the arena as she rested her hand casually on the katana strapped to her side. “Yup. My little sister and her partner.”

“Ali.” Alice said with an irritated sigh. Of course. They hadn't seen each other since they were students at the academy, aside from once on a mission. “What, only Tweedledee is here? Where's your twin, Tweedledum.”

Team JNPR and RWBY, who had joined them, were standing in quiet awe. They hadn't seen Alice be so aggressive to someone like that before, Jaune being in danger aside. They glanced over to Jaune curiously.

Jaune currently was hiding behind Pyrrha a bit. “That's Ali. She was one of my sister's 'friends' in school. They fought. A lot.” He offered, bad memories flashing through his mind.

“Someone who can match Alice?” Yang said with a appreciative whistle.

There was a crack, almost as if someone had snapped and another brunette appeared quite literally out of nowhere, flicking Alice on the head. “That's not very nice to call me Alice. It's been so long too!”

Alice let out a frustrated growl. Of course she had to be here too. “Speak of the devil...”

Realizing they had a bit of an audience, the newcomer smiled, offering a hand to Pyrrha who happened to be the closest. “Hi there! Nice to meet you. I'm Ami, Ali's sister. Twin, if you couldn't tell.” She chirped happily.

Pyrrha shook her hand, tilting her head slightly. “Pleased to meet you. I'm Pyrrha. My team is Jane, Nora and Ren.” She offered.

“Ruby!”

“Weiss Schnee.”

“Blake.”

“You guys look identical...” She flinched as she was hit in the side by Blake. “Yang.”

Pyrrha smiled. “And I think you know J-” She was cut off as Ami once again vanished from where she was standing, appearing in front of Jaune and wrapping him in a big hug. She swung him in a circle, holding his head against her chest. “Jaune! It's been so long! You're so grown up.” Ami said warmly before letting the poor boy go.

Jaune just smiled, a little dizzy from being spun around. “It's good to see you too, Ami.” Jaune had met the twins a few times before, again from many visits regarding his sister's “trouble” in school. The pair were often the other half of the trouble, but Ami was far more pleasant to be around. In fact, it was usually her sister who ended up in the trouble so Jaune and Ami would often play together when he was young.

Pyrrha smiled, the teeniest bit jealous of seeing Ami cling onto Jaune suddenly.

“Don't worry about those two.” Alice offered to the group. “Now why are you here? You had to come babysit your sister?” She asked.

Ali just returned her challenging glare. “We're proud of her so we came to watch. Why are you even here? Last I heard your brother doesn't attend here.” She said, casting a slightly apologetic glance at Jaune. She hadn't meant it in a rude way, she didn't have anything against Alice's brother.

“We came to watch his girlfriend fight. But it seems both of us couldn't do what we wanted.

“She's not my...”

“He's not my...”

Both Jaune and Pyrrha cut themselves off. Were they boyfriend and girlfriend? They hadn't exactly... talked about it. After their night out and... kisses... they just kind of kept things as they were. Neither was exactly sure about what they “Were” at the moment.

Ami just squealed. “Awww they mimic each other. They are so cute.” Ami said, letting out a happy sigh. Ah, young love.

“You really think your brother can keep up with my sister in a fight?” Ali challenged, raising an eyebrow.

Alice smirked. “Don't underestimate the men in the Arc family. Besides, he's been trained by the Pyrrha Nikos.”

Ali was caught off guard. She knew Pyrrha had seemed familiar. Perhaps the match would be a little fairer after all.

Ali and Alice stared each other down for a minute, before turning to Glynda in sync. “They're fighting.” They announced.

Glynda's fist clenched around her crop. “Now listen here. Don't think you two can barge into my classroom and orchestrate fights with the students.”

Alice cracked her knuckles as Ali drew her sword a few inches. “Perhaps we should spar for old times sake?”

“That could be fun.” Alice said, a dangerous lilt in her tone.

Both teams stepped back in fear. The aura surrounding Alice and Ali had suddenly gotten menacing and dangerous. Alice was a handful enough when she was angry, but Ali seemed to make the situation worse. Surprisingly though, Jaune had been the one to step between them, raising his hands, though they shook a little.

“I don't want to get kicked out of here. Last time you guys fought they had to do renovations on the building.”

Glynda threw up her hands in defeat. “Fine! We'll let the students fight. However, if anyone is harmed it will be on your heads.”

Alice and Ali both threw up scouts salutes. “Scout's honor!”

“Neither of you were scouts...” Jaune mumbled quietly.

Glynda got the stage ready as Ali and Ami went back to talk to their side.

Alice threw an arm around Jaune's shoulder. “Nice job on selling the threat. I wasn't sure Glynda was going to let us do it.”

Jaune just shook his head. “I thought you two were being serious. I didn't want you guys breaking the place.”

Alice just laughed. “Go get ready. You can't lose to that brat's little sister!”

Jaune was surprised when Alice handed him her backpack with a wink, finding his armor and weapon and shield in it. “When did you...”

“Always be prepared.” She offered ushering him off towards the changing room.

Jaune paused, looking to Pyrrha. “Are you sure you're okay with this? Jane?”

Jane just smiled, before sneezing. “Thanks for letting Pyrrha get some practice. Just don't get hurt, okay?” She said with a sniffle.

Pyrrha smiled warmly. “I have absolute faith in you. We'll just do our best. What happens, happens. Besides, it seems you have a bit of a legacy to keep going.”

Jaune sighed, scratching his head before looking up and smiling. “Then let's do this!” She said before following Ren to the lockers to borrow his locker.

Pyrrha just chuckled before heading over to hers to get ready. She hadn't be expecting a fight, but fighting along side Jaune was something she hadn't realized how much she wanted to do it.

XxXxXxXxX

Jaune and Pyrrha stood on the platform.

“Remember your defense Jaune. Play it safe, and we'll work together. Leave the offense to me, I'll be counting on you to watch my back.” She offered, hoping to calm the obvious nerves that were building up in him.

Jaune nodded, making sure his armor was all on tightly. He had a feeling that he would need it very badly soon enough.

“So you should know our opponents right? Ali and Ami have another sister?” Pyrrha asked, stepping closer. She was both determined to win this fight with Jaune, and make sure he wasn't injured in it. Knowing as much as she could about her opponent would help even the playing field, as she figured once Ali recognized her she told her sister, and Jaune still hadn't discovered his semblance.

“Kinda. They aren't related by blood, they adopted her when they were young. They're all orphans, you see. But they're as close as me and my sisters. Her name is...”

“Ashe! Nice to meet cha!” A voice suddenly chimed out from across the arena. A raven haired girl a little shorter than Pyrrha stood across from them sporting a pixie cut, and a shirt that read “hot stuff” on it, underneath a fashionable jacket.. A long metal box hung at her hip, and a strange tube on the other hip. From behind, a long cat tail swished playfully from side to side.

Pyrrha smiled politely. “I'm...”

“Pyrrha Nikos. I know. He wouldn't shut up about you for a while.” She said, a hint of jealous creeping into her voice as her smile faltered.

Next to her a male, slightly taller than her sporting black shaggy hair walked up smiling nervously. “I said I was sorry. I didn't mean to.” His snow fox ears on the top of his head drooped slightly.

Pyrrha's eyes widened as she recognized him. She had been the student she fought in the beginning of the year. He had been the one to freeze her weapons, and send her to Jaune's shop.

“Hey Tyler.” Jaune offered with a wave. They had met through his sister eventually, and he had done some work on his weapon and armor.

Ashe just giggled, throwing an arm around his shoulder and kissing his cheek. “I know. I just can't help it, I get a little jealous when my boyfriend is fawning over another girl.” She said, shooting a meaningful glance at Pyrrha who's eyes widened.

Tyler blushed red. “I wasn't fawning... it was just a good fight. It was good motivation.” He mumbled, embarrassed about being called out like that.

“So your partner isn't enough motivation for you?” She asked, raising an eyebrow.

Tyler's eyes widened. “That's not what I meant! You know I'd do anything for you.” He confessed, before realizing what he said and blushing a deep red. He let out a groan of annoyance.

Ashe just snickered. “I know, I know. You're just cute when you're embarrassed.” She said, leaning over to give his cheek a peck in apology before grabbing the sword at his waist and handing it to him. “Sorry for teasing you. I'll make it up to you later.” She offered before grabbing the long box at her hip.

Jaune and Pyrrha looked at each other, before blushing and looking away. They may be in some sort of relationship, but they certainly weren't as open as Ashe and Tyler seemed to be about it.

Ashe raised an eyebrow but Tyler leaned over, whispering something in her ear.

“Oh I see! You two are a thing! But shy. Got it. How cute.” Ashe squealed slightly. “Nothing to be embarrassed about it.”

“You're one to talk! It took you guys forever to admit you liked each other, longer still to be comfortable. It took us all to bring you together.” Ami lamented from the side.

Pyrrha chuckled as she saw Ashe's face burn red in embarrassment. She was about to make a comment when her eyes widened. In a blur of movement, the long metal box in her hand had unfolded, growing into a powerful metal recurve bow. Meanwhile, her other hand had opened up the tube, and pulled out a small tube. A press of a button and it had extended into an arrow, was nocked, and fired at Ami before Pyrrha had realized she was holding her breath.

The arrow whizzed through the air with shocking speed, straight towards Ami. Before Pyrrha would even react to the sudden attack, Ami's hand shot up and caught the arrow with a frown.

“Rude.” There was a crack and Ami was standing next to Ashe, handing her the arrow back. “Don't waste your ammo before a fight.” She scolded, flicking Ashe on the forehead.

Sighing, she ruffled Ashe's hair. “Good luck to both teams!” She said, calling over her shoulder. She turned back to Tyler and Ashe for a moment. “Jaune's not a proper student, so don't go overboard. This is just training and we don't want any accidents. I'll be watching, but I trust you guys to be smart out there.” Looking over her shoulder at him, she smiled warmly before turning back to her sister and her partner. “But don't underestimate him either. That Arc family is scary, plus he's had a great teacher. So be on your guard.” She offered, before patting each of them on the shoulder and vanishing with a crack, appearing next to Ali who just handed her back her bowl of popcorn.

“Without further ado, let's start this final round. Jaune, and Pyrrha from team JNPR versus Tyler and Ashe from team BATT.” Glynda announced. “When someone's aura hits the red, they are out and you are not to attack them as they exit the field. If you fall out of bounds you are eliminated. Fight fair, and begin!” She announced.

She was about to wave her crop when Ashe's hand shot up.

“Wait! I almost forgot.”

With a sly smirk at Tyler, she suddenly handed Tyler her bow to hold before she took off her jacket. This left her in just a tank top. She wasn't done though. Reaching down, she quickly undid her belt before tossing it on her jacket. Reaching down she began to undo her boots as well.

There was a wolf whistle from the audience, but a sudden glare from Ali sent a shiver down the audience. Suddenly no one wanted to make any jokes.

Jaune was looking away, feeling a little uncomfortable about his opponent stripping in front of him.

Pyrrha was confused and slightly embarrassed as well.

Tyler was just unabashedly staring at his girlfriend, transfixed by her gaze as she smirked at him, one hand on her hip as her shoes joined her belt and jacket.

“Take off your belt.” She said with a wink. “Or do you need help?”

Jaune covered his flushed face, Pyrrha gasped in shock.

There was a crack and Ami was standing next to Ashe snickering. “You're having too much fun. Stop teasing Tyler, and it looks like Jaune and Pyrrha are about to pass out.” She scolded, still snickering at her sister's antics. Ashe could be a flirt with Tyler, but Ami knew it was all talk. She liked to tease him, but both her and Tyler were taking things slow.

Ami handed Ashe a pair of sneakers as she gathered up her clothes, and took the belt a still blushing Tyler had offered her.

“Why the outfit change?” Pyrrha had asked, thoroughly confused and embarrassed by the actions. Judging by Glynda's expression, she was also looking for a proper explanation for the unneeded delay.

“We're up against Pyrrha Nikos. I'm not sure that wearing metal is our best bet. I just forgot to remove it before hand.” She explained honestly. Looking over at Tyler, she saw he had recovered his composure, though he still seemed a bit tired of feeling flustered. She mouthed an honest “I'm sorry.” to him. Maybe she had taken it too far, but her sister had a bit of a bad influence on her.

The second Glynda's crop was lowered an arrow whizzed through the air, bouncing harmlessly off Pyrrha's shield. It seemed this was going to be a fast paced fight. She was about to step forward, when Jaune suddenly shoved her backwards, bringing his shield up. A moment later the arrow she had forgotten exploded into a small ball of flames. Pyrrha hid slightly behind Jaune, bracing him against the explosion. A second later she was at his side again, her shield raised. “What was that!?”

Jaune smiled apologetically. “I didn't get to explain earlier. Ashe's semblance is fire. She can set herself or anything she touches on fire and manipulate the flames of it to an extent. There's some limitations but she's dangerous! Her arrows aren't normal arrows.” Jaune offered.

Pyrrha was a bit intimidated, she had to admit. She wasn't expecting that. Combined with Tyler's ability to sap the heat from what he touches and freeze things solid, they were a dangerous pair.

“I really wish I knew my semblance right about now.” Jaune offered with a nervous laugh in his voice.

Pyrrha smirked. “We won't need it.”

Jaune tightened his grip on his sword. “I hope you're right. You focus on Ashe, I can't keep up with her range. I'll try to take Tyler.” He offered.

Pyrrha nodded. His plan was simple, but solid. That was one many aspects of potential she saw in Jaune. While fighting technique may not come naturally to him as it did to her, his battle instinct was rather sharp. He learned from his mistakes quickly and could find a strategy to face a new threat. This had kept Pyrrha on her toes while training, forcing her to keep changing to avoid him adapting to her, though her experience and talent kept her with the upper-hand. For once though, she was glad it was on her side. They may need it in this battle if they wanted to win.

Pyrrha switched to her rifle and fired shots off at Ashe, separating her from Tyler as Jaune closed the distance to him. Ashe was quick with her bow, and the arrows were a live threat until they exploded, meaning Pyrrha had to stay on her guard. The arrows were metal, but she couldn't properly manipulate them with the speed they were being fired, so she'd have to face them without her semblance.

Deflecting arrows and guarding against their explosions would only last so long, so Pyrrha rushed forward. She was relying on her agility to close the gap, as she narrowly dodged arrow after arrow, continuing to move so they couldn't catch her in their explosion.

At last she had managed to close the gap, when she saw her chance. Bashing up with her shield, she deflected Ashe's bow upwards, spinning the girl around. She struck out with her sword, but was surprised to find it collide against a staff.

Ashe smirked, as her bow finished transforming into a long bo-staff. She swung her staff around, slamming Pyrrha in the side of the head with it and forced Pyrrha to back up.

Pyrrha winced, having been caught off guard by the transformation. It seems the fight wouldn't be easy close up either. Glancing over, she saw Jaune was struggling against his own opponent.

Jaune and Tyler circled around each other. Both guys were sporting a sword and shield, though Tyler's was a bit different. His sword was froze solid, extending it's reach and size, and his shield was a small metal buckler that was also frozen, expanding it's range.

Jaune knew he had to be careful. If he touched Tyler's ice for too long, it could begin to freeze him too. That was what had done the damage to Pyrrha's weapons. Luckily his sword had no moving parts, and his shield was only useful extended at the moment so he wasn't too concerned about that.

Letting out a yell, he dashed forward.

“Come!” Tyler said with a grin. Jaune was a pretty good friend to him, so he was excited to fight with him. But that didn't mean he was going to take it easy on him. This was supposed to be practice after all.

Tyler met Jaune's blow with his own, and soon they were trading slashes. Tyler was more experienced than Jaune was, so he was dictating the flow of the battle. Still, he had to admit he was impressed with Jaune's growth. He certainly wasn't someone he could brush off. Still, Tyler wouldn't lose.

Ducking one of Jaune's swing, Tyler swiped his frozen sword at Jaune's feet.

Jaune was caught off by the strange action, but when he tried to rush forward, he stumbled and fell forward.

His right foot had been frozen solid on the ground. He barely had time to bring his shield up as Tyler's swipe slammed into it.

Jaune flew backwards, slamming into the ground as his frozen foot kept him rooted in place and had caused him to arc and land on his back.

“Pyrrha!” He called out, knowing he needed help if he was going to avoid being eliminated right then and there. “Pass!” He called out.

Pyrrha hopped backwards, dodging another arrow as she knew what he was saying. It had only taken a moment for her to notice his foot and realize his strategy.

Firing off a few rounds with her spear, she forced Ashe to back up before she switched to a spear and launched it at her, knocking the hot head back.

Turning with a powerful spin, she launched her shield like a discus, as it soared across the arena. It slammed into the ice around Jaune's foot, shattering it before ricocheting into Tyler.

Jaune caught it, and threw it back towards her to the best of his ability. Luckily her semblance let her correct his slightly off course throw. She focused on her spear, sending it back towards her but it was going to be too slow.

Ashe was back on her feet and aiming an arrow at Pyrrha's defenseless form. As she was about to fire her arrow, she failed to notice Jaune approaching. He had realized what situation Pyrrha would have ended up in after throwing both her shield and spear, so he had started running to intercept.

Jaune slammed into her side with his shield, knocking her over.

Running back to his partner, he took a guard next to her. “You okay?”

Pyrrha smiled. “Thanks for covering me.”

Jaune smirked. “You saved me first. I would have been out.”

“Then it's goo-”

“Ashe! Now!” Tyler's voice rang out.

Looking over, they saw Tyler kneeling on the ground, both palms planted on the ground. Between them was a large ice dust crystal. An icy mist was flowing out from his hands as you could see the aura around his hands pulsing.

Ashe stood up, smirking. Leave it to her partner. With a massive jump, she did a large back flip, landing perched on Tyler's back like a bird.

Bracing himself for the impact of Ashe on his back. At the moment she landed, he slammed his hands down on the ice crystal.

There was a massive cloud of dust that exploded out from them, obscuring the area in a mist.

Jaune and Pyrrha coughed, swiping away the dust around them. They tried to move to find a clean spot but found they both had their feet frozen to the ground. In fact, the entire ground had been frozen solid in an instant.

Immediately Jaune slammed his sword into Pyrrha's feet beginning to chip the ice away as Pyrrha fired a few rounds towards Jaune's. They had to be free soon.

“Stay together!” Jane called out from the stands.

“You can do it!” Ruby called out eagerly.

Yang raised an eyebrow. “That was a lot of ice.”

Weiss nodded. “That was rather impressive, it seems his semblance is very powerful when combined with Ice Dust.” Weiss explained. It was a bit similar to her semblance with dust, but his seemed to be on a different level, though she had a feeling he would be out of luck when it came to other types of dust.

“But it's not without cost.” Blake noted, gesturing to the screen. Tyler's aura had dipped significantly when he used that move. “That takes a lot of trust in your teammate to use that. It leaves you vulnerable.” She remarked.

Jaune and Pyrrha were free soon enough, but it was too slow. Ashe was already sprinting towards them, her feet blazing. She stepped with enough force, and combined the the fire surrounding her feet, the ice melted and cracked instantly underneath her steps, allowing her to roam free.

Jaune and Pyrrha tried to stay together, but their feet were slipping and sliding on the ice, it was impossible to get any sort of solid footing on the floor of ice.

“Pyrrha, block!” Jaune called out but Ashe was too quick.

A flying kick from the raven haired girl sent Pyrrha flying and sliding across the ice towards the edge of the arena.

Jaune turned to try and help her, but noticed Tyler and barely had time to throw up his guard.

Every time Tyler stepped, his foot would freeze slightly to the ice, keeping him solid in place, before he'd free himself when he needed to take another step.

Jaune managed to block the hit, but he was still sliding backwards.

Desperate to stop her momentum, Pyrrha jammed her sword in the ground, holding onto it for dear life.

She saw Ashe aiming at her with her bow again, and she knew she was in trouble. With a wave of her hand and a massive effort, she unleashed her semblance. At the last moment, Ashe's bow aimed downwards as her arrow exploded in front of her, sending her sliding backwards.

Pyrrha quickly scrambled towards the spot of melted ice from the explosion. Back on solid footing she saw Jaune struggling against Tyler.

“Jaune! Touchdown!” She called out, firing a few rounds at Tyler to force him to back off for a moment.

Jaune was hesitant, but knew the situation was desperate. Raising his sword with both hands, he slammed it down onto the ground with all the force he could muster.

While not nearly as impressive as he had seen Yatsuhashi do before, it did it's job. The ice in the area around him cracked and shattered from the sheer force of his aura-infused strike.

But that meant he was still trapped to this small circle.

Pyrrha wanted to help him out more, but she saw Ashe approaching. She knew if they continued to fight separately they might lose. The arena was no longer fair game, and both of them had great control of their semblances, something that had been missing from her fight with team CRDL.

Struggling to guard against Tyler's continued onslaught, Jaune was thinking the same thing. “Client 1! Finish this order then move on.” Jaune called out.

Pyrrha understood his plan, thankful they knew each other well enough to understand the coded call outs with no real planning.

Spinning around, she hurled her shield again at Ashe who was readying an arrow. The shield and arrow collided mid air, exploding directly in front of Ashe. Ashe stumbled backwards, trying to regain her composure. She quickly knocked another arrow, but failed to notice Pyrrha's glowing shield slam into her from the side as Pyrrha manipulated it with her semblance. In a panic it had set off Ashe's arrow yet again, sending her flying even farther away, her bow sliding away from her.

Zooming towards it's owner, Pyrrha's shield flew towards her as she sprinted towards Tyler. This was their chance.

Jaune parried Tyler's strike, knocking his sword up. Tyler wasn't done though. His hand shot out and grabbed Jaune's that was holding his shield. With a release of his semblance, Jaune's hand began to freeze over.

Desperate, Jaune ripped his hand free, but that had meant he had to let go of his shield. His shield clattered across the arena, leaving him with just his sword.

Tyler was about to flash out with a strike when he felt Pyrrha's sword cut across his back. His aura had absorbed the blow, but it had hurt. He swung around with a strike towards Pyrrha, but she blocked it with her shield.

He brought his shield up to block Jaune's counter, throwing a kick towards Pyrrha. He swung back with momentum towards Jaune with his sword, but was surprised to see Jaune holding Pyrrha's shield as he blocked his attack before Pyrrha's kick connect to his side.

Soon Tyler was completely overwhelmed. Pyrrha and Jaune were flanking him, trading blows when he tried to focus on the other. Periodically they would pass Pyrrha's shield back and forth, blocking strikes as they whittled down his aura quickly.

Ashe screamed for him, but she couldn't get there fast enough. The two explosions had hurt her more than she was expecting and it took her too long to recover.

Desperate, he had caught Pyrrha's shield mid-air, but it was too late. Both Jaune and Pyrrha struck down with a blow as the buzzer rang out. Falling to his knees, he stared at the ground. Tyler's aura had dropped into the red.

Immediately Jaune and Pyrrha both stepped back, breathing heavily. Tyler was eliminated, and they wanted to make sure he could leave safely.

Tyler forced himself to his feet as he began to stumble towards the stairs off the platform. His shoulders drooped and his face was cast in shadow. He barely looked at Ashe as he passed her. The ears on his head drooped low in shame.

“Tyler... are you okay? I'm sorry.” She stammered out. That's when she saw it.

Tyler had sniffled and offered her a heart-breaking smile. “I guess I wasn't good enough. Do your best.”

He said as he staggered down the stairs. Ami had appeared with a crack, quickly throwing her arm around him and helping him. She could only imagine how he must be taking the defeat.

That's when the murmurs started.

“He lost to Jaune.”

“Jaune isn't even a student.”

“Pyrrha was busy with the girl most of the time.”

“I guess the ice was just for show.”

“How weak.”

“He's just a Fannus after all.”

“I hope I get matched against them in the festival.”

Tyler's form seemed to droop even more. His girlfriend's fist clenched at her side as she saw her precious partner walk away so defeated.

Jaune and Pyrrha were both panting, feeling bad. Those watching didn't understand. Tyler had been a serious threat. That wasn't something to brush off. Jaune knew he couldn't have won on his own.

“Good fight!” Jane called out hoarsely, feeling awful for the boy walking away.

“Poor girl. She can do so much bette-” The murmur was cut off by an explosion.

The wall of the room now had a massive crater in it as Ali stood there, her fist still lodged in it. She was breathing heavily, as if restraining herself as she glared at the audience. “One. More. Word. I dare you.” She sounded out, causing everyone to instantly shut up. Surprisingly, Alice moved over to Ali and put a hand on her shoulder, calming the girl ever so slightly.

Alice knew Tyler and Ashe trained as hard as Jaune and Pyrrha. While Tyler had more practical experience than Jaune, he had grown up mostly alone before he had met Ashe when they were younger. Ali had grown to care for the boy like a little brother, and Alice could sympathize with what she must be feeling.

Jaune and Pyrrha were suddenly aware of the temperature of the room spiking. It felt like they had entered a sauna.

“Please keep all comments respectful.” Glynda ordered to the audience. “Now then, the match isn't over. Resume!”

Jaune and Pyrrha stood next to each other, looking at Ashe. Looking carefully, they saw she was practically shaking. Scratch that, she was visibly shaking in anger.

“Pyrrha. Be careful. When it comes to Tyler, Ashe ca-”

He was cut off as he saw her throw something in the air, before dashing forward, and explosion of fire propelling her at a fast speed.

They were caught off guard as she suddenly appeared between them, hand spread wide. Her usual playful smirk was gone, a deathly serious gaze in her eyes.

Practically in slow motion, Pyrrha and Jaune turned their heads as they saw what she had thrown up before falling between them. It was a large dust crystal. Fire dust.

They both barely had time to raise their shields before she slammed it between her two fists.

The three students were suddenly surrounded in a massive ball of flame, Pyrrha and Jaune rocketing out of it away from each other. Both of them had been scorched in the explosion a little.

Ashe hadn't emerged unharmed from it either, but she dashed towards the now isolated Jaune. Her semblance proved a useful shield to flames, albeit not perfect. Drawing her bow, she fired 2 arrows behind her, one being blocked by Pyrrha's shield but the second one hit the ground next to her, sending her flying farther away.

She turned back to Jaune but Jaune was already desperate to counter attack, terrified of the huntress going after him.

He swung his sword, and managed to knock her weapon away.

“That's it! Keep her unarmed! You can finish this!” Alice called out victoriously.

Ali, though still murderous, was a little calmer next to her. “You know, Ashe has received a lot of hand to hand training. Almost an unhealthy amount.”

Alice faltered. “From you?”

Ali shook her head, gesturing to where Ami was consoling Tyler. “My sister.”

Alice felt her stomach drop. “Jaune! Run! You can't beat her unarmed.” She changed her mind.

Both of the twins were strong huntresses in their own right. While she often fought with Ali, Ami was one person she refused to fight in hand to hand combat. While she wasn't very powerful from a range, Alice had never seen Ami lose in a fist fight. No Grimm who had met her daggers ever survived. If she had been training Ashe, who may not be a prodigy like she was, Jaune was not prepared. He had learned only the basics of hand to hand, as Grimm weren't very big users of fisticuffs.

Jaune had gotten the message too slow though.

Jaune still hadn't recovered his shield, too distracted by Tyler's exit to move towards it. He swung his sword, but Ashe caught his wrist. Turning, raising and slamming it down onto her shoulder Jaune let out a gasp of pain as he dropped the sword. His wrist was burning in pain, and if he didn't have his aura he was pretty sure his wrist would have just been broken.

Following through, she flipped him over her shoulder. Raising her leg straight up, she slammed it down in a flaming Axe kick.

Barely managing to roll and avoid the kick, he felt her grab his collar.

Ashe ripped him up off the ground, before slamming her fist into his gut. Two kick jabs to his chest, followed by a hook to his chin which left him dazed. She circle stepped around him, hiding behind him as she saw Pyrrha ready her rifle but but she was unable to get a clean shot with Jaune between them.

Ashe's hand began to glow red hot as she glared at Jaune, a murderous look in her eyes.

She placed her hand against his chest plate.

“Jaune!” Pyrrha called out desperately.

Instantly, the experienced huntresses in the room knew what would happen.

“Ashe!” Glynda scolded raising her crop.

Alice had leaned forward, a pissed off look on her face. Before she could propel herself forward, Ami had appeared in front of her, a hand on her shoulder. “Wait.”

Ali herself grabbed one of the crystals hanging around her neck, but Tyler spoke up.

“Ashe! Stop.” He called out in a hoarse voice.

Ashe's eyes widened as her thoughts cleared up. The glow on her hand faded significantly before she spun around, throwing Jaune as a massive explosion emitted from her glowing hand.

Jaune rocketed across the arena as the buzzer sounded. He sailed off the platform, but Alice appeared in his path and caught him safely. Glancing up at the screen she saw his aura was still safely in the red. The explosion had been scaled back enough.

Ashe snapped her head back to look at Pyrrha, who was also staring at her.

Pyrrha knew that the situation was dangerous. Both of their aura's were low after this long drawn out fight. But Ashe reminded her of Yang, and she had a feeling even if Ashe was a little more level headed she was still pissed off. Her powers would be peaking at the moment, and she wasn't sure if she could handle her for long. Pyrrha never had explosive force, rather relying on skillful blows to win fights, and as Ashe had seemingly discarded her weapon and was void of metal, her semblance wasn't going to help her out either.

She dashed forward, firing off a few rounds from her rifle to keep her back.

Ashe dodged from side to side as she closed the gap, keeping her arms tucked close. Her right hand glowed as she threw a punch. It connected with Pyrrha's shield, and the explosion sent it flying away.

Pyrrha didn't have time to call it back to her as Ashe kept up her onslaught.

Using her semblance as much as she was was a risk. There was a definite blow-back every time she released a burst of flames from her hands and she was going to feel it tomorrow.

Pyrrha winced as she felt another punch connect to her side. This girl hit very hard.

Knowing the fight was reaching it's climax, Pyrrha knew it would end soon. Both of their aura levels were reaching the end as well.

Separating, they stared each other down. Neither wanted to disappoint their teammates who were watching eagerly from the sidelines.

Ashe clenched her fists as they glowed a bright red.

Pyrrha reached out her hand as she backed up, preparing her last plan.

Ashe rushed forward again, the temperature of the room rising as she prepared for the strike.

At the last moment, Pyrrha stepped around her. As expected, Ashe was ready for that. She spun out with a glowing backhand, it heading straight for Pyrrha's face. At the last moment, it collided with something hard as the explosion rang out, causing her to stumble backwards.

Pyrrha stood, bracing herself behind Jaune's glowing black shield. She had moved it to block Ashe's attack at the last moment. Summoning all the strength she had left, she let out a pulse of magnetism as she repelled the shield with all she could.

The shield shot away from her, slamming into Ashe. Off balance, Ashe couldn't properly react and the shield rocketed her backwards, sending her sliding off the edge of the platform.

As she hit the floor the buzzer rang out.

“Match over! Victory goes to Jaune and Pyrrha!” Glynda announced.

Ashe stood up from the ground, in shock. She had lost. She began to walk around the arena, but soon Tyler met her halfway.

She stared at him through frustrated tears, disappointed she couldn't finish up the victory. Tyler just smiled and pulled her into a tight hug, wallowing in a similar frustration. Still, it had just been a practice match.

The audience erupted into cheers and applause. Both Tyler and Ashe started clapping for Jaune and Pyrrha who were both now up on the stage, smiling. After a moment they turned to their opponents and called them back up on the stage with them. “Great fight. That was very close.” Pyrrha offered, clapping for them as they joined them up there.

“Thanks for letting me live my dream of fighting as a huntsmen.” Jaune said a bit nervously.

Ashe sighed and rolled her eyes, her tail flicking behind her. “You two are too nice to stay mad at.”

Tyler just smiled and fist bumped Jaune.

Glynda smiled despite herself and addressed everyone. “With that, classes are officially done. You all are free until the festival, I suggest you begin making sure you have everything prepared, reflect on what you learned today, and rest up. Dismissed!” She said, turning back to the quartet. “That was certainly an interesting match to end the day on. I'm glad that none of you were seriously injured. Now then, please clear the stage so we can return this room to normal.” She said, shooing them away.

The group made their way to the rest of team RWBY and JNPR as Glynda began to clean up the stage.

“That was amazing!” Ruby gushed. “You were all so cool! First Tyler was like 'FWOOSH' and everything was frozen. But then Jaune was like 'AUGH' and broke the ice.”

Next to her Nora was grinning. “But Pyrrha was the coolest. When she was dodging the arrows?”

Yang walked over, throwing an arm over Jaune's shoulder. “It seems my fellow blondie has really grown. You were holding your own out there.”

Jaune just stammered. “Pyrrha did most of the work. I just tried to survive.”

“You did great.” Ashe said, her tail suddenly lowering. “I'm sorry I kinda lost it there. I don't like seeing Tyler disappointed like that.” She muttered, her tail wrapping around Tyler's leg as he grabbed her hand. “I didn't mean to almost hurt you. Honest.”

Jaune shook his head. “It's okay. I'm sorry all the students were like that. I thought you guys were scary as hell up there.”

Ashe just laughed, letting out a sigh of relief that he wasn't mad. She really hadn't want to hurt her friend, she can just get a little ahead of herself in fights.

Soon the group of students had started dissecting the match, bickering about who did what.

Jaune tugged on Pyrrha's hand. “Can you follow me for a second?” He whispered to her.

Nodding curiously, Pyrrha excused them from the group and moved off to the side a little. “What is it Jaune? I thought you fought admirably.”

Jaune just stared at her, a complex series of emotions crossing his face.

“Jaune? If something is wrong you can talk to me you know.”

“Pyrrha.” Jaune started out. He took a deep breath. “Pyrrha, would you go out with me tomorrow night?” He said, staring at her nervously. “As my girlfriend.”

Pyrrha just stared at him in utter shock. So they were going to be a couple? She had kinda hoped they were, but neither of them seemed to be willing to ask if it was official.

Her pause made Jaune's heart race. “I mean, I know it's bad timing you have the festival in a few days. You should be with your team. I just thought that maybe... er... so-” He was cut off as Pyrrha slammed into him. He felt her lips press against his as she kissed him.

This had effectively cut off all conversation from their friends as they turned to stare at the pair with a range of expressions from scandalized to amused. Yang let out a wolf whistle and Jane was fervently taking pictures.

Ashe leaned over to Tyler. “I feel like they're just rubbing it in now.” She muttered, her tail anxiously behind her. She turned her head when she didn't get a response from him, surprised when she suddenly felt his lips on hers. She melted into the kiss for a moment, before he pulled back, and moved her in front of him, wrapping his arms around her waist possessively.

Ashe just giggled at her boyfriend's antics. She leaned her head back into his shoulder, they could let Arkos have the moment.

Pyrrha realized she had an audience and quickly stepped back, flushed red still. “In case you couldn't tell, I would love to go out with you tomorrow. On a date.” She said, embarrassed at her own words.

Pyrrha suddenly staggered as Jane slammed into her from the side, before staggering the other way as Nora slammed into her from the other side.

“It finally happened!” They cheered in unison.

Ren walked over putting his hand on Jaune's shoulder. “Congratulations.”

Jaune just grinned, blushing slightly.

Soon the older siblings joined the group, mercilessly teasing their respective younger siblings.

“Well we'll have a truce today. Come on, we're taking you all out for lunch.” Ali said, glancing over at Alice.

“Yeah so hit the showers. We're leaving in thirty minutes, our treat.” Alice said, letting her grudge go with Ali. Today was a day to celebrate, both her brother finally officially getting together with Pyrrha, and all their hard work for the Vytal festival.

The group cheered and moved to go freshen up and change for the surprise treat.

As Pyrrha waved goodbye to Jaune and walked towards the women's showers she couldn't help the smile on her face.

Her heart was soaring, it had finally happened. Jaune and herself were officially a couple. Even if they had already sort of been one, it was out and public. Pyrrha couldn't feel happier, they could be eliminated in the first round of the festival and she'd still be riding high.

Pyrrha couldn't find the words to express how happy she felt about meeting Jaune, and that he ended up becoming such a large part of her life. She knew she would cherish every memory she had made with him so far, and looked forward to making many more with him. Wherever her life lead her, down whatever path may come, she knew she would be fine with it if she could walk it with Jaune.

XxXxXxXxX

I’m really really sorry for the delay with this chapter. As some of you may know I entered an art contest mid February. It was a really important chance (that I totally screwed up) and I wanted to try and do it right. So I wasn’t able to do much writing. I was able to sit down and write a prompt or two that was in my head, but this chapter took pretty much all of today for me to write and I couldn’t really do that before. But the contest is over, and I will likely be able to power out the remaining chapters in this story before I find a parttime job and start my new courses. This also means I have plenty of free time to finish up the prompts that are still sitting in my inbox.

I really am sorry for how long this took, and I hope the length made up for it. Thank you for all the kind words you’ve sent me, and I hope you have a wonderful freaking day! :D

#arkos #MechanicAU #Jaune Arc #pyrrha nikos #team jnpr #Team RWBY #lie ren #nora valkyrie #MY OCs #tyler #Ashe #My favorite dorks

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sciatu · 4 years ago

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Paese in vista dell’Etna, Modica, Saline di Trapani, Piazza duomo ad Ortigia, Corso Umberto I a Taormina, tenuta Arangio, saline di Trapani, Siracusa il porto, Monti Iblei, costa siracusana.

Prima ca notti cala, s’aviria scuddari i duluri e a stanchizza ogni otra chiù tinta mavaria ogni pinseri e ogni stranizza

Da finestra t’avirivi facciari pinsannu o jonnu chi già passoi a tuttu chiddu chi vosi lassari e a chiddu ch’ inveci si puttoi

a fini accussi t’accoggirivi chi si ancora unni eri ieri pi comi fu, pi comi ti sintivi c’amici fausi o amuri veri

mentri u munnu nta so paccia scurri comi a china i nu ciumi u tempu chi fu, ora è fantasia i ricoddi su sulu manciaciumi

nta serata cu l’anima stanca pensi sulu a quantu ciccasti a tuttu chiddu chi ora manca a tuttu chiddu chi già lassasti

non pensi a du picca chi truvasti a d’amuri, da gioia, da schizza i da to filicità chi pruvasti chi fa nu mari brizza dopu brizza.

A filicità pensi chi jè a luna Ranni tunna cu so cantu d’ariddi Ma nuddu avi mai sta futtuna Picchì idda è comi a di stiddi

Nichi nichi una all’otra vicina su l’assemi di attimi passati spisiddi ca notti fannu china cu tutti i gioi avuti e dati

Prima chi cala a notti tu pensa a quantu du to jonnu t’arristoi Da spisidda, da vita semenza Chi tuttu u cori a jonnu dumoi

Prima che la notte scenda si dovrebbe dimenticare ogni dolore e stanchezza, ogni altra più brutta maledizione, ogni problema e ogni stranezza. Ti dovresti affacciare alla finestra pensando alla giornata che è già passata, a tutto quello che ti ha voluto lasciare e a quello che invece si è portata via. Alla fine ti accorgeresti che sei ancora dove eri ieri, per come è stato, per come lo sentivi, con amici falsi o amori veri. mentre il mondo, nella sua follia, scorre come la piena di un fiume, il tempo che è stato, ora è fantasia, i ricordi sono solo un noioso prurito nella serata con l’anima stanca, pensi solo a quanto hai cercato, a tutto quello che ora ti manca, a tutto quello che hai già lasciato. non pensi a quel poco che hai trovato, a quell’amore, quella gioia, quella goccia che è la felicità che hai provato e che diventa un mare, goccia dopo goccia. Tu pensi che la felicità sia come la luna, grande tonda con il suo canto di grilli, Ma nessuno ha mai questa fortuna perché la felicità è come le stelle piccolissime una accanto all’altra, sono gli attimi passati, scintille che riempiono la notte, con tutte le gioie avute e date. Prima che scenda la notte tu pensa a quanto ti è rimasto del giorno, quella scintilla, quel seme di vita, che tutto il tuo cuore e la tua giornata ha illuminato.

Before night falls we should forget all pain and fatigue, every other uglier curse, every problem and every oddity. You should look out the window thinking about the day that has already passed, about all that it wanted to leave you and what it has instead taken away. Eventually you would realize that you are still where you were yesterday, exactly how it was, how you felt it, with false friends or true loves. while the world, in its madness, flows like the flood of a river, the time that has been, is now fantasy, the memories are only in boring itch in the evening with a tired soul, you only think of what you have been looking for, of all that you are missing now, of all that you have already left. do not think about what little you have found, about that love, that joy, that drop which is the happiness you have experienced and which becomes a sea, drop by drop. You think happiness is like the moon, big round with its song of crickets, But nobody ever has this luck because happiness is like the stars tiny next to each other, are the past moments, sparks that fill the night, with all the joys you had and you given. Before night falls you have think about what is left of the day, that spark, that seed of life, that your whole heart and your day illuminated.

#Sicilia #Sicily #Siracusa #Enna #Modica #Trapani #Taormina

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sciatu · 5 years ago

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GIOIELLI CHAPEAU ATELIER, CATANIA

Idda è accussi, suli e notti è focu, è sali, è tinirizza è meli duci, è amara sotti mi vinci e norba ca so biddizza

Jo a vaddu, a ceccu, a disiu p’idda u me sangu bugghi e bampa è a me sebba ed è u me Diu senz’idda nudda me gioia campa

Jo nu vurria ,ma nenti pozzu fari picchi i so occhi su i me catini mi fannu moriri, risuscitari su u me principiu e a me fini.

A so peddi è a me ranni cruci! chi carizzu sempri miravigghiatu pu so ciauru, pi quantu e duci chiù a baciu, chiu ci restu taccatu

A so bucca potta o paradisu dugna piaciri e dugna duluri cruci unni vogghiu essiri misu da pizzatu chi ghiova ill’ amuri

Pessu mi sentu davanti a idda chi è anciulu e nu diavuluni eppuru resta a me sula stidda sulu sensu i vessi e paruluni

Pessu sugnu e dannatu a vita idda inveci fimmina di rangu sempri ciccata e preferita. nudd’otra, mi sazia o mi fa sangu

A so dibbulizza tuttu mi vinci a so risata fa scuddari i mali culura a vita, i gioia a tinci senz’idda, nun c’è nenti chi mi vali

Cetti voti raggiatu ni sciariamu dicu cosi cu me cori nun voli ci dicu chi è megghiu si ni lassamu e gridu tanti otri brutti paroli

in silenziu idda fotti mi strinci u so cori cu mei assemi batti ogni me raggia accussì si stinci l’ amuri soi vinci ogni mala atti

Idda nun parra, ma dici tuttu e jo a idda strittu staiu mutu lassu passari du mumentu bruttu unni ogni amuri, paria piddutu.

E capisciu ca fini, ora comu ora l’amu puru si è sempri na lotta non pi com’idda è fatta i fora ma pi quantu, nto cori idda potta

Lei è così, è sole ed è notte, è fuoco, è sale, è tenerezza, è miele dolce, è destino amaro, ogni sua bellezza mi vince e mi acceca Io la guardo, la cerco, la desidero, per lei il mio sangue bolle e avvampa, è la mia serva ed è il mio Dio, senza lei nessuna gioia vive. Io non lo vorrei ma non posso fare niente, perchè i suoi occhi sono la mia catena, mi fa morire e risorgere, sono il mio principio e la mia fine. La sua pelle è la mia croce più grande, che accarezzo sempre stupito per il suo profumo, per quanto è dolce, più la bacio, più vi resto attaccato La sua bocca è la porta del paradiso, dona piacere e regala dolore, è una croce dove voglio esser crocifisso, appeso li con i chiodi dell'amore. Davanti a lei mi sento perso, lei che è angelo e diavolo, eppure lei resta l'unica mia stella, il solo senso di versi e paroloni. Sono perso e dannato a vita, lei invece è una donna di rango, sempre cercata e preferita, nessun'altra mi sazia o mi eccita. La sua debolezza vince tutto, il suo sorriso fa dimenticare ogni male, colora la vita e dipinge la gioia, senza di lei nulla ha per me valore. Certe volte, arrabbiato, litighiamo, dico cose che il mio cuore non vorrebbe dire, le dico che è meglio lasciarci e grido tante altre brutte parole. In silenzio le mi stringe forte, tanto che il suo cuore batte insieme al mio, ogni mia rabbia perde colore, il suo amore vince ogni brutta arte. Lei non parla, ma mi dice tutto, ed io stretto a lei sto zitto, lascio passare quel brutto momento dove ogni amore sembrava perso. Capisco che alla fine, in questo momento, l'amo anche se è sempre una lotta, e l'amo non per come lei è fatta di fuori, ma per quello che porta nel cuore.

She is like this, she is sun and it is night, she is fire, she is salt, she is tenderness, she is sweet honey, she is a bitter destiny, all her beauty wins me and blinds me I look at her, I look for her, I desire her, for her my blood boils and blazes, she is my servant and she is my God, without her no joy lives. I wouldn't want it but I can't do anything, because her eyes are my chain, she makes me die and rise again, her eyes are my beginning and my end. Her skin is my biggest cross, which I always caress amazed by its scent, how sweet it is, the more I kiss it, the more I stick to it Her mouth is the door to heaven, it gives pleasure and gives pain, it is a cross where I want to be crucified, hung there with the nails of love. In front of her I feel lost, she who is angel and devil, yet she remains my only star, the only sense of verses and big words. I am lost and damned for life, instead she is a woman of rank, always sought and preferred, nobody else satisfies or excites me like her. Her weakness overcomes everything, her smile makes you forget all evil, she color life and paint joy, without her nothing has value for me. Sometimes, angry, we fight, I say things that my heart would not want to say, I tell her that it is better to leave and I cry many other bad words. In silence she holds me tightly, so much that her heart beats with mine, every anger of mine loses color, her love conquers every bad art. She doesn't speak, but she tells me everything, and I hold her tight shut up, I let that bad moment pass where every love seemed lost. I understand that in the end, at this moment, I love her even if it is always a struggle, and I love her not for how she is made outside, but for what she carries in her heart.

#Sicily #Sicilia #Jewels #Art

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sciatu · 7 years ago

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PORTELLA DELLE GINESTRE - 1 MAGGIO 1947

U CARUSU SENZA NOMI

Jo nomi nun n’haiu. A me matri a spararu quannu jo era nta so panza e muriu. Jo murì cu idda prima i nasciri. Fù nta stu jonnu tanti anni fa. Me matri e me patri, cu otra genti du paisi annaru pi na festa nta nu ghianu, Portella delle Ginestre o comi u muntuamu nui arberesh, Purtelja e Jinestrës. Era a festa i cu travagghia e tanti, di paisi vicini s’avianu ricugghiutu da, pi manciari e divettisi, tutti assemi, comi si facia sempri nta stu jonnu.

C’era Nicola, accussi u ghiamava a mamma, chi nchianò supra na petra e nto menzu di banneri russi incominciò a parrari a genti. “Sti terri su comi matri scunsulati picchi hannu figghi e non ci ponnu dari a manciari, hannu ricchizza ma nuddu a semina e ricogghi! Sti terri hannu patruni chi mancu i sannu, chi prefirisciunu facci manciari supra i pecuri chi i cristiani e chi ora si scantanu picchi isammu a testa e pritinnemu sti terri, p’aviri nui na spiranza, pi dari na spiranza e notri figghi, pi chistu vulemu sti terri: picchi sti terri sunnu nostri pa fami e a disperazioni c’avemu e pa giustizia chi vulemu! Ora sta briscennu u suli i nu jonnu novu! A notti finiu”

Fu tannu! i sintii puru nta panza i me matri. Fu tannu chi cuminciaru a sparari e si sintiu i grida, a genti curriri e scappari gridannu, i numali ragghiari e ittari cauci pu scantu e supra tuttu sempri sti spari. Ta-ta-ta-ta-ta-ta! E poi ci furu i bummi Buum, Buum e tutti a scappari a fuiri i ca e da comi i pecuri quannu nta stadda ntrasi u lupu. A me matri a pigghiaru nta schiena. A Vincinzina a pigghiaru nto pettu e muriu a ottu anni. Giuvanni n’avia tridici ma muriu u stissu. Puru Giuseppi e Serafinu, l’amici di me frati. Jo u sintia a me patri chi ghiamava me matri “Magherita… Magherita….” ma me matri no sintia chiù. Pi idda e pi mia, caloi a notti.

Jo ci spiu sempri a me matri “picchi ni spararu? chi ci aviamu fattu? Nun eravamu latri o sbirri, nun vulivamu u mali i nuddu, vuliamu sulu a travagghiari, aviri a terra pi campari. A terra chi nun duna fruttu è comi na fimmina senza figghi. Puru idda soffri e cianci. Nui vuliamu sulu na spiranza, vuliamu sulu aviri chiddu chi ni avianu sempri dittu, chi ca libbittà non c’era chiù fami, ca libbittà non c’eranu chiù suvicchiarii. Inveci chiddi si pigghiaru i soddi di padruni di terri e si misiru supra a muntagna e i da ni spararu, comi si spara a l’aceddi nto cielu o ai cani nta strada. Si diciunu “omini d’unuri” ma chi unuri c’è nto mazzari carusi, fimmini preni, sparannu e spiranzi da genti? È chistu l’unuri di cui si incunu a bucca? Furu sulu i sebbi i cu ni vulia nta fami e chi catini. Eppuru puru iddi eranu comi nui, puru iddi vuliamu pani pi figghi, ma iddi su cattaru cu nostru sangu! Iddi comi vipiri muzzicaru cu nun ci cuppava, iddi comi Giuda ni vinneru pi du soddi. Accussi caloi a notti pi tutti e nta notti iddi fannu chiddu chi bonnu.

Jo nomi nun haiu. A me patri no canuscii, e me cincu frati ne visti mai, me madri nun mi potti mai dari na carizza, jo nun ci potti mai sapiri i culuri dill’ occhi. Ma si nascia jo nu sulu nomi vulia, unu sulu chi bastava pi tutti, nu nomi che cà, nta sta nostra terra nun sa vistu mai, chi tanti prumettunu e che tutti strazzanu! Si jo nascia, mi facia chiamari Giustizia! picchì a Libbità senza Giustizia nun sebbi a nenti, picchì du jonnu puru idda muriu cu mia e me matri, puru idda ristoi senza nomi, nto scuru.

IL BAMBINO SENZA NOME

Io non ho un nome. A mia madre le hanno sparato quando ero nella sua pancia ed è morta. Io sono morto con lei prima di nascere. Fu in questo giorno, tanti anni fa. Mia madre e mio padre, con altra gente del paese sono andati ad una festa in un piano in montagna, Portella delle Ginestre, o come lo chiamiamo noi Albanesi, Purtelja e Jinestrës. Era la festa di chi lavora e tanti dai paesi vicini si erano raccolti lassù, per mangiare e divertirsi, tutti insieme, come si fa sempre in questo giorno. C’era Nicola, così lo chiamava mia madre, che salì su una pietra e nel mezzo delle bandiere rosse incominciò a parlare alla gente. “Queste terre sono come madri sconsolate, perché hanno figli e non possono dar loro da mangiare, sono ricche ma nessuno semina e raccoglie la loro ricchezza! Queste terre hanno dei padroni che neanche le conoscono, che preferiscono farci mangiare sopra le pecore invece che le persone, e che ora si spaventano, perché abbiamo alzato la testa e pretendiamo queste terre, per avere una speranza, per dare una speranza ai nostri figli, per questo vogliamo queste terre: perché queste terre sono nostre per la fame e la disperazione che abbiamo, per la giustizia che vogliamo. Ora sta sorgendo un nuovo sole di un nuovo giorno! La notte è finita!”

Fu in quell’istante! li sentii pure da dentro la pancia di mia madre. Fu allora che incominciarono a sparare e si sentivano grida, la gente correre scappare gridando, gli animali ragliare e dare calci per la paura e sopra a tutto sempre gli spari. Ta-ta-ta-ta-ta-ta! E poi ci furono le bombe: Buum, Buum e tutti a scappare a correre di qua e di la , come pecore quando entra un lupo nella stalla. A mia madre la presero nella schiena. A Vincenzina l’hanno presa nel petto ed è morta ad otto anni. Giovanni ne aveva tredici ma è morto lo stesso. Anche Giuseppe e Serafino, gli amici dei miei fratelli. Io sentivo a mio padre che chiamava mia madre “Margherita… Margherita….” ma mia madre non lo sentiva più. Per lei e per me scese la notte.

Io le chiedo sempre a mia madre “Perché hanno sparato”? Che cosa gli avevamo fatto? Non eravamo né ladri né sbirri, non volevamo il male di nessuno, volevamo solo lavorare, avere la terra per vivere. La terra che non dà frutto è come una donna senza figli. Anche lei soffre e piange. Noi volevamo solo una speranza, volevamo avere solo quello che ci avevano sempre detto, che con la libertà non ci sarebbe stata più fame, con la libertà non ci sarebbero state più prepotenze. Invece loro si sono presi i soldi dai padroni delle terre, si sono messi sulla montagna e ci hanno sparato come si spara agli uccelli nel cielo o ai cani per strada. Si dicono “uomini d’onore” ma che onore c’è nell’uccidere bambini, femmine gravide, sparando alla speranza della gente? E’ questo l’onore di cui si riempiono la bocca? Sono stati solo i servi di chi ci voleva nella fame e con le catene. Eppure erano anche loro come noi, pure loro volevano pane per i loro figli, ma loro glielo hanno comprato con il nostro sangue! Come vipere hanno morso chi non aveva colpe, come Giuda ci hanno venduto per due soldi. Così è scesa la notte per tutti e nella notte loro fanno quello che vogliono.

Io non ho un nome. A mio padre non l’ho conosciuto, i miei cinque fratelli non li ho mai visti, mia madre non mi ha mai potuto dare una carezza, non ho mai potuto sapere il colore dei suoi occhi. Ma se fossi nato, io volevo un solo nome, uno solo che bastava per tutti, un nome che qui nella nostra terra non si è mai visto, che tanti promettono e che tutti stracciano! Se io fossi nato, mi facevo chiamare Giustizia! perché la Libertà senza Giustizia non serve a niente, perché quel giorno anche lei è morta con me e con mia madre, anche lei è rimasta senza nome, nel buio.

THE KID WITHOUT NAME

I do not have a name. My mother has been shot when I was in her belly and she died. I died with her before I was born. It was on this day, many years ago. My mother and father, along with other people from the village, went to a party in a mountain flat area, Portella delle Ginestre, or as we Albanian call it, Purtelja e Jinestrës. It was the party of those who work and many from neighboring countries had gathered up there, to eat and have fun, all together, as is always done on this day. Nicola, so my mother called him, climbed on a stone and in the middle of the red flags began to talk to the people. “These lands are like dejected mothers, because they have children and can not feed them, they are rich but no one sows and gathers their wealth! These lands have owners who do not even know them, who prefer to leave here sheep to eat instead of giving the to the people, and who are now frightened, because we have raised our heads and claim these lands, to have hope, to give hope to our children This is why we want these lands: because these lands are ours for the hunger and desperation we have, for the justice we want. Now a new day’s sun is rising! The night is over! ” It was at that moment! I even felt them inside my mother’s belly. It was then that they began to shoot and heard shouts, people run off screaming, animals braying and kicking in fear and above all the shots. Ta-ta-ta-ta-ta-ta! And then there were the bombs: Buum, Buum and everyone running away from here and there, like sheep when a wolf enters the barn. They shot my mother in the back. Vincenzina has been shot in the chest and died at the age of eight. Giovanni was thirteen but he died the same. Also Giuseppe and Serafino, the friends of my brothers. I felt my father calling my mother “Margherita … Margherita …” but my mother could not hear him anymore. Night fell for her and for me. I always ask my mother “Why did they shoot”? What had we done to him? We were neither thieves nor cops, we did not want anyone’s bad, we just wanted to work, have the land to live. The land that does not bear fruit is like a woman without children. She also suffers and cries. We only wanted a hope, we wanted to have only what we had always said, that with freedom we would not be hungry anymore, with freedom there would be no more arrogance. Instead they took the money from the landlords, got on the mountain and shot us as we shoot the birds in the sky or the dogs in the street”. They say “men of honor” but what honor is there in killing children, pregnant females, shooting at people’s hopes? Is this the honor with which they fill their mouth? They were only the servants of those who wanted us in hunger and with chains. Yet they too were like us, yet they wanted bread for their children, but they bought it with our blood! As vipers they bite those who were not guilty, as Judas have sold us for few money. So night fell for everyone and in the night they do what they want. I do not have a name. I did not know my father, my five brothers have never seen them, my mother could never give me a caress, I never knew the color of her eyes. But if I were born, I wanted only one name, one that was enough for everyone, a name that here in our land has never been seen, that many promise and that everyone tears! If I were born, I would call myself Justice! because Freedom without Justice is useless, because that day she too died with me and with my mother, she too was nameless in the dark.

#sicilia #sicily #vittime della mafia

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sciatu · 7 years ago

Photo

Le foto sono di Valentina

Ti vaddu, mentri tinni vai lassannumi ca o scuru e puttannu luci e caluri ill’otra banna du mari. Ti vaddu e pensu a cu ti vidiravi dumari i da patti du munnu e ti chiamiravi cu nu nomi chi non è suli, ma chi voli diri luci, caluri, gioia, vita e tuttu chiddu chi pi mia voli diri a parola suli. Picchì u cori ill’omini parra na sula lingua, mentre a bucca ni parra milli, ma tutti divessi, tutti straneri? picchì su i paroli chi ni fannu straneri, ma mai u cori, mai chiddu chi l’anima nostra senti, o rigala, o cecca nte cori dill’otri ?

Ti vaddu mentri tinni vai e vurria ditti di nun fatti ghiamari chiù, accussi tutti sariumu frati e ni parririumu ripitennu sullu quantu sintemu, quantu fa rideri e ciancirri a nostra anima e non ci sariunu chiù paroli comi guerra, sangu, straneru ma parririumu cu duluri e a fami ca guerra potta, u scantu e u vomitu chi u sangu ti dugna, u friddu e u silenziu i cu è straneru, divintiriumu tutti puiti picchi parririamu chi nostri scanti, chi nostri amuri, chi surrisi e l’abbrazzi, senza aviri chiù bisognu i ghiamari na sula cosa cu milli nomi divessi e quannu ncuntramu a cu sta dopo du mari ci parririumu accussi, dannuci quantu a nostra anima senti e allura nun ci sariunu chiù guerri, nun ci saria chiù sangu e nuddu, nuddu chiù nta stu munnu, saria chiù nu straneru.

Ti vaddu mentri potti luci all’otri frati chi ti ghiamanu cu n’otru nomi. Nun ti fari ghiamari cu na parola picchi tu si unu, ma hai milli nomi e una è l’acqua, ma avi milli nomi, e una è l’aria, u ventu a matri terra, unu è u cori dill’ omini ma tutti hannu milli e milli nomi divessi . Tu si unu comi u cori dill’omu, piccio nun ti fari ghiamari, cu na parola picchi nuddu si senti chiù frati, nuddu si fida i cu ghiama u suli cu notru nomi, i cu cecca l’acqua dannuci n’otru nomi. Fatti ghiamari cu sorrisu chi dugni, fatti numinari fa tepuri chi potti, fatti battiari ca gioia chi regali, fai divintari tutti puiti, accussi, cu sta dopu du mari nun sarà chiù nu straneru o unu divessu, ma u so nomi saravi “chiddu chi avi u me stissu cori” e allura u munnu canciria, e l’omu saria divessu i ora, e nenti e nuddu saria chiù divessu i mia.

(Effie mi cuntò tuttu chistu e divintò comi a luci du suli)

Ti guardo mentre te ne vai lasciandomi qui al buio e portando luce e calore dall’altra parte del mare. Ti guardo e penso a chi ti vedrà domani in quella parte del mondo e ti chiamerà con un nome che non è “sole”, ma che vorrà dire luce, calore, gioia, vita e tutto quello che per me vuol dire la parola “sole”. Perché il cuore degli uomini parla una sola lingua, mentre la bocca ne parla mille ma tutte diverse, tutte straniere? Perché sono le parole che ci fanno diversi e mai il cuore, mai quello che l’anima nostra sente, o regala o cerca nel cuore degli altri?

Ti guardo mentre te ne va e vorrei dirti di non farti chiamare più, così tutti saremmo fratelli e ci parleremmo ripetendo solo quanto sentiamo, quello che fa ridere o piangere la nostra anima e non ci sarebbero più parole come guerra, sangue, straniero, ma parleremmo con il dolore e la fame che la guerra porta, la paura ed il vomito che il sangue ti dà, il freddo e il silenzio di chi è straniero, diventeremmo tutti poeti perché parleremmo con le nostre paure, con i nostri amori, con i sorrisi e gli abbracci, senza avere più bisogno di chiamare una sola cosa con mille nomi diversi e quando incontreremo chi sta dopo il mare, gli parleremmo così, dandogli quanto la nostra anima sente, così non ci sarebbero più guerre, non ci sarebbe più sangue e nessuno, nessuno più in questo mondo, sarebbe più uno straniero.

Ti guardo mentre porti la luce ad altri fratelli che ti chiamano con un altro nome. Non ti fare chiamare più con una parola perché tu sei uno, ma hai mille nomi e una è l’acqua, ma ha mille nomi e una è l’aria, il vento la madre terra, uno è il cuore degli uomini ma tutti hanno mille e mille nomi diversi, Tu sei uno, come il cuore dell’uomo, perciò non ti fare chiamare con una parola, perché nessuno si sente più fratello, nessuno si fida di chi chiama il sole con un altro nome, chi cerca l’acqua dandole un altro nome. Fatti chiamare con il sorriso che regali, fatti chiamare con il tepore che porti, fatti battezzare con la gioia che doni, fai diventare tutti poeti, così chi sta dopo il mare non sarà più uno straniero o uno diverso, ma sarà “quello che ha il mio stesso cuore” e allora il mondo cambierebbe, e l’uomo sarebbe diverso da quello di ora, e niente e nessuno sarebbe più diverso da me.

(Effie mi ha raccontato tutto questo ed è diventata come la luce del sole)

I look at you while you leaving me here in the dark and bring light and heat in the land across the sea. I look at you and think about who will see you tomorrow in that part of the world and call you by a name that is not "sun", but that will mean light, warmth, joy, life and all that for me means the word "sun ". Why do the hearts of men speak a single language, while the mouth speaks a thousand of languages but different one from the other and all strangers? Why are the words that make us different and never the heart, or what our soul feel, or what we give or seek in the hearts of others?

I look at you as you go, and I would like to tell you don’t permit them to call you by a word, so we would all be brothers and we would talk about repeating just what we feel, what makes our soul laugh or cry and there would be no more words like war, blood, aliens; we would talk with the pain and hunger that war brings, the fear and the vomit that the blood gives you, the cold and the silence of the stranger, we would all become poets because we would be talking with our fears, our loves, with the smiles and hugs, without having to call a single thing with a thousand different names, and when we meet who's behind the sea, we'll talk to him like this, giving him as much as our soul feels, so there would be no more wars, there would be no more blood and nobody, no more in this world, would be more a foreigner.

I look at you as you bring light to other brothers who call you by another name. Do not make calling more with a word because you are one, but you have a thousand names and one is water but there are a thousand names and one is the air, the wind the mother earth, one is the heart of men but everyone has a thousand and a thousand different names. You are one, like the heart of man, so do not call me in a word, because no one feels more brother, nobody trusts who calls the sun with another name or is asking water giving it another name. Make a name with the smile you give, a name with the warmth you bring, be baptized with the joy you give, make us all poets, so whoever is behind the sea will no longer be a stranger or a different one, but it will be "what he has my own heart" and then the world would change, and man would be different from that of now, and nothing and no one would be any different to me.

(Effie told me all this and became like the sunlight)

#Sicilia #Sicily #Landscape

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dyde21 · 8 years ago

Text

Mechanic 10: The invasion

Pyrrha was up bright and early, as always. However, for once she wasn't thrilled to be going on a mission. Normally Pyrrha would be glad to have the chance to help others, especially since they were going to be shadowing a professional hunter. Still, she really wished she would have been able to train with Jaune over the weekend. They hadn't messaged each other other than to offer thanks for dance, and Pyrrha hoped there wouldn't be a weird atmosphere hanging around when they finally had the chance to meet up again. After all, she had sort of... kissed him. Her face flushed red at the mere thought of it.

It was the first time she had taken any steps like that with someone, even if it was just a kiss on the cheek. The thought of it made her giddy, a fact which didn't escape Nora or Jane when they saw her start smiling randomly. Still, she knew she had to get her head in the game.

They were going to be going on a dangerous mission, out in the field for real. She couldn't let her school girl crush distract her, or someone could end up like Jaune did. Besides, physical exercise might be just the thing she needs to get her head on straight again.

Pyrrha began to gather the last bits of her stuff to finish packing for the mission. They had to travel light, but she wanted to make sure she wasn't missing anything they would need. After all, proper preparation is important. That's why she checked her scroll often of course, to make sure she didn't miss any important messages. Not that she had been expecting one. Of course she wasn't.

Before long, the rest of her team was up and getting psyched for the mission, which helped serve to get Pyrrha focused again. Jane was once again fretting over the prospect of the mission, though Pyrrha noticed she seemed more prepared to go on a life threatening adventure, than she was to attend a simple dance. Ren and Nora seemed particularly interested about heading out to the village, so Pyrrha was glad their team was able to do something so important for the pair of childhood friends.

Once they were all packed and ready, they headed off to their airship. Team RWBY had left before hand, and they had already said their goodbyes so it was a quiet send off. As they were loading in the ship though, Pyrrha's stomach dropped.

Sirens.

There were warning sirens coming from Vale. Her mind instantly went to Jaune, and the little shop she had grown very fond of. She turned to Jane, but Jane was already apologizing to Ren. Promising to visit the village later, while she stepped up to take charge, and ordered the pilot of the airship to take them to Vale.

Pyrrha beamed at her partner before she loaded in the airship. As they raced through the air, Pyrrha's leg bounced up and down nervously. Surely Jaune would be okay right? After all, his family was with him now. Plus, even if only a little, they had trained a few times by this point. She figured assuming he didn't go looking for trouble that he could hold off whatever threat could find him. After all a siren meant the entire city would be in danger, which meant that there would be an appropriate response. He wasn't on his own this time. Pyrrha tried to call him on her scroll, but there was no answer. She wasn't surprised, if the siren was going off even if Jaune was fine, there certainly was enough going on to distract him from answering his scroll.

Her thoughts started to spiral downwards into worry until Jane placed a comforting hand on her shoulder.

“Relax. We'll be there soon. There are plenty of hunters that live in Vale, and Beacon is nearby. Whatever threat there is will be dealt with swiftly.” She said with a knowing smile.

Pyrrha nodded thankfully as she drew her weapons, watching the airship land.

Team JNPR hopped out of the ship, already sprinting towards the center of town. They figured that'd be the best place to start searching.

“Grimm?” Ren said in surprise as they saw huntsmen battling with Grimm.

“How did they get so far into the city?” Nora followed up.

“I'm not sure. But we need to protect the civilians. Follow me!” Jane ordered as she ran forward, leaping before she brought down her greatsword, bisecting a Beowulf in half.

Pyrrha followed after her, swiftly cutting through grimm.

Nora paused for a moment. “The sirens seem to be coming from the town square.”

Jane nodded. “I agree. Pyrrha, give Nora a boost. We'll follow after her. Let them know we're on our way Nora.” She commanded.

Pyrrha nodded and knelt down, as Nora jumped, and launched herself off Pyrrha's shield. A few more shots in mid air and Nora was flying through the air as the rest of her team ran after her. Pyrrha felt her nerves starting to go into overdrive at seeing all the grimm around them as they fought their way to the square. “I'm taking a shortcut, I'll meet you there.” Pyrrha said as she jumped up, kicking off her shield mid air with her semblance as she landed on a low rooftop, pulling her shield back towards her as she took off in a sprint towards the town square. She fired a few shots off at Grimm, seeing that they were surrounding team RWBY. Just how did team RWBY always find themselves in the middle of all this trouble?

Jumping off the building, she landed next to Nora as Jane and Ren finally caught up. Soon they were all fighting in the center, against the hordes of grimm. They seemed to be centered around this area. Noticing the giant hole in the ground, Pyrrha realized this wasn't a natural accident. Someone must have set this up. She didn't have time to dwell on those thoughts though as the grimm pressed their attack.

Before long though, reinforcements had arrived. Team CFVY showed up, as well as Atlas's militia. Pyrrha let out a sigh of relief. They were only able to help so many people themselves.

Still, she knew she wouldn't be able to relax until she saw him for herself.

Glancing over at Jane, she was surprised to see Jane already nodding.

“Ren, Nora. Pyrrha and I are going to check on Jaune since this area is under control. You two go east, look for stragglers. Stay together, and stay in touch. We'll meet up after we make sure that area is safe.” Jane said as everyone nodded, and took off sprinting.

Pyrrha pushed herself as she ran, knowing Jaune's luck. Still, he had his family right? He couldn't be hurt. Not with how strong Alice is.

Pyrrha had made short work of a spare grimm or two on the way, but the are seemed to be safe for the most part.

Turning the corner, Pyrrha felt her stomach drop again.

There were two Boarbatusks approaching the alleyway that Jaune's shop was in, and there was the growling of an Ursa coming from down there. Pyrrha launched her spear, impaling a borbatusk through the weak spot in the armor on it's back, as Jane landed from above, stabbing straight through the other one.

As Pyrrha ran to retrieve her weapon, she saw Jaune in the corner, facing off against a massive Ursa with his sword and shield. Huddled behind him were two small children. Judging by the sets of dog ears, they were fannus children.

“Huagghhh!” Jaune roared out as he stepped forward, swinging his sword. His slashes were still a little chaotic, but Pyrrha recognized the pattern. It was one they had been drilling very hard. Simple, but strong. Most of them seemed to get through, but the Ursa's massive paw slammed into Jaune's side, bringing him down to a knee.

Pyrrha ripped her spear free of the Boarbatusk as she ran to the corner. Jane joined her, but before Jane could dash down the alley, Pyrrha stopped her. “Wait.”

Jaune just let out another scream of defiance as he forced himself to his feet, swinging again as he chipped away at the Ursa.

The Ursa let out a roar went leaned back for a wide swing as Jaune stepped forward with a determined look.

The scene seemed to play out in front of Pyrrha before it happened. Jaune's swing would be too slow, the Ursa would hit first.

Pyrrha's hand raised as it glowed black. Focusing, she raised Jaune's shield. He had dropped his guard a little too much when he went for the big swing, but as his shield glowed black, it raised up.

The Ursa's paw struck the shield, sliding off it as it lurched forward, trapped by it's own momentum.

Jaune planted his foot, bracing himself from the sheer weight of the Ursa. Recognizing a chance when one was presented, summoning every bit of strength he had, he swung upwards.

His blade sliced clean through the weakened Ursa's head as it fell off to the side, beginning to disintegrate.

Jaune stumbled backwards, breathing heavily as the Ursa fell backwards. Suddenly the two Fannus children threw themselves at Jaune, wrapping their arms around his waist as they cried into his sweatshirt.

Jane let out a sigh of relief. “He seems to be unhurt. Though it's a good thing you helped him. We should let him know what happened.”

Pyrrha glanced over at Jaune, seeing him grinning triumphantly as he gently patted the kid's on the head as he reassured them.

“We could... Or perhaps we could keep it our little secret?” She said with a smile, as she stepped back, before taking a few steps and running around the corner, running up to Jaune.

“Jaune! Are you okay?” She asked, her still very real concern dripping through her voice. She wasn't sure how long he had been fighting before she arrived.

Jaune looked up. “Pyrrha! You're okay! Yeah, I'm fine.”

Pyrrha just let out a sigh of relief. “I'm so glad. I saw you fight that Ursa, it seems your lessons are paying off.”

Jaune nodded. “I can't thank you enough. It's because of your teaching that I was able to save these two.” He said, gesturing to the two kids still clutching onto him tightly.

Pyrrha just smiled and walked over, gently patting he head on the little boy. “That's why we are huntsmen after all.”

There was another roar as a massive snake head turned the corner.

“King Taijitu.” Pyrrha said, eyes widened as she drew her weapons again, taking a defensive stance next to Jane in front of Jaune as the second head appeared. Fighting that in such a small alley was going to be impossible. Especially while protecting Jaune and the kids. Sure Jaune had managed to beat the Ursa, but it only took a glance to see how tired he was, and Pyrrha doubted his Aura would be able to last for another hit.

Feeling determination well up in her, she was about to reach for her scroll when she heard it. A loud piercing sharp whistle from right behind her. The volume of it made her wince slightly, Jaune really could whistle loud. A second later, a similar whistle echoed from somewhere nearby.

Jane glanced over her shoulder, trying to figure out what his deal was when Jaune stared at her, already dropping to a knee as he covered both of the kids with his body. “GET DOWN!” He ordered suddenly.

Both Pyrrha and Jane trusted Jaune, so in a second they dropped to the ground.

The king Taijitu roared, but before either head could move, the white one shot to the ground with such blinding speed that the ground shook from the impact. Pyrrha's eyes widened as the smell of Ozone reached her nose. Barely a moment later the King Taijitu erupted into electricity as it let out a roar of pain.

Alice landed a moment later as she pulled her spear from the head of the snake, her piercing gaze staring at Jaune, as if she was taking notice of every scratch on him. She did not look happy. She hopped off the snake as she began to walk towards Jaune, until the other head of the snake roared up. It was still alive.

“Look out!” Pyrrha called out, getting ready to run forward, until Jaune reached out and grabbed her hand.

“Wait.”

Alice just casually walked towards Jaune, her gaze slowly going from angry to concerned.

The snake lurched forward, before it's head suddenly exploded, a quarter of the body missing.

Pyrrha's jaw dropped at the sight. Alice hadn't done anything, none of them had moved. What could have...

Pyrrha felt a chill rack down her spine as she stared at the figure standing next to where the snake's head had previously been. An overwhelming power stood there, the murderous intent dwarfing Alice's making hers look like a temper tantrum. The figure was oozing with power. The gaze focus on Pyrrha and Pyrrha's guard snapped to attention, feeling a brief pang of fear for her life.

Then, it was gone. All signs of danger was gone as the woman ran towards them.

Pyrrha's eyes widened in shock as she ran towards them. In a moment both Jane and Pyrrha had been pulled into a tight hug by Jaune's mom.

“Oh thank the heavens for you two! Did you help out Jaune just now? I see he has Crocea Mors. We must have missed one or two. I'm so glad you are here. Are you girls unharmed?” She asked, her voice dripping with sweetness and warmth.

Jane was still too terrified to speak as Pyrrha nodded a bit meekly. “We uh came to check on him. There had been some Grimm on the way but Jaune held his own against an Ursa when we got here.” Pyrrha explained. She glanced back at Jaune, her eyes flicking to his mom as if to say 'Really?'.

Jaune just offered a sheepish smile, raising his hands as he shrugged. Alice had to learn it from somewhere after all.

Pyrrha just let out a deep breath, finally able to get air in her lungs once she was finally released from the bear hug Jaune's mother hand pulled her into.

Alice through her arm around Jaune as she pulled him close, letting out a sigh of relief. “At least you're fine this time. It seems Pyrrha's lessons are paying off, eh? Good thing you remembered the signal though. That coulda been bad.” She offered, looking at the corpse of the snake that was slowly dissolving.

The massive snake corpse was suddenly lifted as it was thrown farther down the street as Jaune's dad walked down the alley, brushing dirt off his hands. “Seems I wasn't needed here.” He said with a hearty laugh as he pulled his wife in, kissing her on the cheek.

Jaune's mother moved over and knelt in front of the two fannus children. “There there. Were you scared? Thank you for being so brave.” She said with a warm smile.

The two children nodded, before clinging onto her in a tight hug.

Pyrrha just smiled at seeing the mother act so warm. It was a stark contrast to the persona she had when she arrived on the scene. Pyrrha realized, she really had to make sure she didn't do anything to turn Jaune's family against her.

“Good kids. Now, why don't you go with Jaune? He will take you to find your parents.” She said, shooting Jaune a glance.

A few minutes later and Jaune was walking down the street, each of the kids holding onto one of his hands. They each were sucking on a lollipop Jaune's mother had given them. Pyrrha just smiled, looking at Jane and snickering at seeing Jaune with the kids. He seemed like a natural with them, and Pyrrha had to admit that was an attractive trait. Then again, since he grew up with younger siblings, she guessed he had some practice with kids.

As they rounded the corner back to the main square, they saw it was mostly cleaned up. Glynda had been fixing all the broken bits rather efficiently.

The rest of team RWBY and team JNPR saw Pyrrha and her group arrive, and ran over. Nora and Yang rushed over and were kneeling in front of the kids, both rather fond of kids. Soon they were laughing at playing with them while Weiss and Ren went to go talk to the officers, hoping to find the parents of the kids.

Blake stood by, looking curiously. “Where did you find these kids?” She asked, smiling at seeing her partner and Nora playing with the fannus children, seemingly not even caring about their differences.

“Jaune saved them. When I found him he was fighting off an Ursa to protect them.” Pyrrha bragged a bit, incredibly proud of her friend.

Blake looked at Jaune with a new sense of approval. She had always seen Jaune as nice, but for him to risk his life for Fannus children really showed him in a new light to her. She placed a hand on his shoulder, smiling. “That was very brave of you. I'm sure they appreciate it.” She said.

Jaune just blushed. “Oh stop. It wasn't much.” He said, getting all bashful at the praise.

Blake and Pyrrha just looked at each other, laughing slightly.

Pyrrha was aware that Blake was a fannus, and could guess how much the act had meant to Blake. Jaune wasn't aware of it, but Blake figured she might let him know soon enough, she realized she could trust him.

Before long Weiss and Ren returned, with two concerned looking parents in tow. They ran up, until they saw the kids getting piggy back rides from Yang and Nora. They just let out a sigh of relief. They quickly made their way to Jaune, showering him in thanks.

When the attack happened, they had been separated and they had told the kids to run and hide to stay safe since they couldn't get around the Grimm. They had been looking for them since the attack ended, but didn't have any luck in the large city.

Pyrrha smiled softly as she watched Jaune's face as he rejected their offers of compensation. She knew the battle he had fought had been small, but it was an important one. More importantly, she could see the man she knew he could grow into.

Soon the parents were walking away with the kids, waving goodbye and promising the kids that they could stop by the shop again.

Before long everyone was returning to beacon. Pyrrha offered to walk Jaune back to the shop, so she told her team she'd meet up with him later. Ignoring the glances and Yang's joke, she just blushed and walked away with Jaune.

“So, now that that is all over. Are you sure you're okay? That was a large Ursa.” Pyrrha asked a bit nervously.

Jaune just brushed her off. “Don't worry, I'm fine! I still had my Aura, a good nights rest and I'll be back to normal!” He said, pumping a fist as he tried to reassure her.

Pyrrha just laughed, lacing her hands behind her back. “Glad to hear it. So how did you end up there anyway? Why would your parents and sister leave you alone?” She asked a bit hesitantly, wondering how a family so protective of their son and brother would leave him alone during an attack.

Jaune just sighed. “It wasn't easy as you said.” He stopped walking for a moment, causing Pyrrha to stop and turn to look at him curiously.

“It's just... they're huntsmen you know? Even if my mom and dad are retired, they're huntsmen. People were being attacked out there. I don't know what happened, but a city full of Grimm is a danger. I couldn't let them just babysit me when people could be dying. I convinced them to leave and help the city while I stayed in the shop. It was the only way to ease their worries.” He said, obviously looking a little glum about feeling like a burden to them.

Pyrrha nodded her head. “I can imagine that could be difficult to accept. Staying still when there is danger out there, but rushing out could cause more trouble.” She realized what her words sounded like. “But you really were a hero. You saved those kids.”

Smiling softly, Jaune shook his head. “I understand. I was staying put in the shop, I wasn't going to look for trouble. But I saw the kids running down the alley and I couldn't sit still. I only saw the Ursa with them so I figured I could take care of it.” He started to explain.

“I would have just brought them into the shop to hide, but I don't think a wooden door would be enough to stop an Ursa. I needed to fight.” He defended himself.

Pyrrha thought for a moment before putting a comforting hand on his shoulder. “I understand. I think you made the right choice in that situation, Jaune. There are times when we all need to fight, regardless of the challenge in front of us. We can't afford to let it pass us by.”

Jaune smiled, obviously relieved that Pyrrha wasn't mad at him. “The whistle is the emergency signal my family has. If someone makes it, the rest of the family runs no questions asked. I didn't want to worry them if it was just the Ursa so I tried to beat him myself. I would have called to save the kids if I thought I couldn't do it though. I was even about to. I guess I got lucky.” He said, looking away.

Pyrrha felt a fist clench around her heart. “It wasn't just luck Jaune. You've worked so hard recently. Every step of progress you've made is from your hard work.” She paused, looking into his eyes for a moment. “That's what I admire about you Jaune. You work so hard, even when you have so little help. You're not afraid of taking on challenges that scare you. That's why you are a hero to those kids. That's why I am so blessed to be able to call you my friend.” She admitted, ignoring the blush that crept on her cheeks.

Jaune just stared at her, the words she just said soaking in. Pyrrha just looked away, and started to walk back towards the shop. She nearly stopped when she felt Jaune's hand grab hers as he walked next to her.

She glanced over, but Jaune was just looking ahead, wearing a matching blush to herself.

They approached the alleyway in silence, though neither was particularly willing to break it.

Soon they were standing outside the shop door, still holding hands. Pyrrha was about to let go whens he felt Jaune squeeze her hand gently.

“Thank you Pyrrha.” He said softly. “Thank you for coming to check on me. Thank you for training me. Thank you for being my friend.” He said, looking at her earnestly. “You're the reason I've started to change, and you're the reason I will continue to fight. Next time, I don't want you to have to worry about me. I want to have your back.” He said with a warm smile.

Pyrrha felt a fire in her chest as she stared at the boy in front of her. Ever so slowly she started to move forward, her face inches from his, until she jumped as she heard the door slam open.

“Jaune? You back yet? Mom wants to know exactly what happened and I-” Alice said, peaking out.

She saw Jaune and Pyrrha standing hand in hand, their faces inches from each other. Her eyes widened. “Oh my god. I'm so sorry.” She said, remorse dripping from her voice. “Pretend I never came out.” She started to close the door when Pyrrha jumped back.

“No, no. It's okay! I should be getting back to Beacon soon anyway. I just wanted to see Jaune home.”

She said, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear.

Jaune blushed as he looked away, giving Alice a helpless look.

Dropping to her knees, Alice just slammed her fist on the ground. “I am so sorry. I ruined it. Ugh. Bia is going to kill me.” She said desperately. She looked at Pyrrha, begging for forgiveness. “I'm so sorry. I should have checked.”

Pyrrha just blushed red, playing with her hair. “I have no idea what you mean! We were just... saying goodbye.”

“Yeah!” Jaune added, unconvincingly.

A minute later Jaune's mom reemerged, carrying two boxes. “Who are you talking to? Is Jaune home yet?” Her mom looked at the scene, noticing the blush on her son and Pyrrha. She glanced at Alice. “Is she?” Alice just nodded. “And you just... when they were?” She asked again. Alice nodded her head again, mortified.

“Alice Ramona Arc. How could you be so careless?” She started to scold her, Alice looking down in shame.

Pyrrha was as red as her hair. She really had no idea how to deal with Jaune's family, and from the look of it, Jaune didn't either.

Alice's mother walked over, handing Pyrrha the two boxes. She rested a hand on her shoulder comfortingly. “I'm so sorry for my daughter. I thought we taught her better manners. Maybe next time.”

Pyrrha just stammered, and blushed harder. “I have no idea what you mean ma'am.”

Jaune's mother just waved her hand dismissively. “Sure sure. Inside those boxes are some pies. It was all I was able to whip up in the short time you were gone, but I figure your team and that team RWBY deserve a snack after how hard you all worked today.” She said with a smile.

Pyrrha smiled. “Thank you Ma'am.”

She just shook her head. “It was Jaune's idea. He said you students have grown quite fond of them. I see Jaune has enthralled more people with his cooking.” She said with a proud laugh.

Smiling Pyrrha nodded. “He does seem to know his way around the kitchen.”

“Mother! Pyrrha has to get back before it's too late.” Jaune said, trying to recover any dignity in this situation. He began to try and push her back towards the shop.

Pyrrha just laughed. “I should be going now. Thank you very much for the pies. I'll let you know when I can come over next for training.” She said to Jaune with a smirk.

Finally having ushered his mother and sister inside, he turned to her smiling. “I look forward to it. Thank you again for earlier. Also, be safe getting back!” He said, waving goodbye to her one last time.

Pyrrha nodded, before stumbling a bit as she tried to adjust her grip on the boxes.

Jaune moved closer, ready to catch them when he was surprised as Pyrrha leaned in.

It was over in a moment, but another kiss to his cheek left his face flushing red. “P-Pyrrha!”

“Goodbye Jaune!” She called out as she turned and quickly made her way from the shop, hiding her blushing face as she laughed to herself.

“G-Goodbye Pyrrha!” She heard him call after a moment, before hearing him already scolding his mother and sister by the time the door to the shop closed and muffled his voice.

As Pyrrha walked back, she knew she had to lose the blush before she could face her team or team RWBY. She really only had known Jaune for a rather short time since coming to Beacon, but she could already begin to see the fruit of his training. She could see him growing, but she could also feel something in herself growing as well. She knew, with every meeting she had with Jaune, she realized just how much he belonged in her life. She just hoped, she just prayed, that he felt the same way about her.

Pyrrha hugged the boxes closer as she smiled. She was excited for her next adventure with Jaune, and excited to see where they they would end up going together in this life.

XxXxXxXxX

I hope you enjoyed this chapter! Took me a while to figure out how exactly I wanted this one to play out, but I’m pretty happy with how it turned out! Thank you all for reading this. I love every note I get here and on my FF.net account where it’s cross posted. I hope this story is continuing to find you well, and I hope you’re all having a wonderful new year! If you have any prompts for short one shots, or just suggestions or comments feel free to shoot me an ask! I even did one of those “Send me an ask with a name to answer that question” thingy. I posted some RWBY art I did a while ago recently, and I’m working on a piece of art to accompany this story at the moment so I hope I can post it by the next chapter or two. You’re all awesome and I hope you have a wonderful day!

#rwby #MechanicAU #arkos #Jaune Arc #pyrrha nikos #team jnpr #Team RWBY #I hope you enjoyed it!#Still working on the piece of art to accompany this.

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