Jaune's Resolve

4 - Forever Fall

"Alright, wonderful!" Peach smiled. "Now, before we head deeper in, I've got a few questions."

She began to pace in front of the class, her boots leaving light prints on the earth.

"Can anyone tell me why Forever Fall is considered so important to the kingdom of Vale?"

Weiss raised her hand first.

"The trees produce a rare, dust-reactive sap that's used in high-grade medical and combat enhancements."

"Correct! Five points to Team RWBY," Peach said, smiling proudly. "Now—what makes the inner regions of Forever Fall dangerous despite being relatively close to Beacon?"

This time, Sage answered from Team PRMS. "Grimm are drawn to the dense emotion that seeps into the forest through frequent battles and training exercises. It's unpredictable."

"Excellent! Five points to Team PRMS!" She spun on her heel, pointing to the deeper woods. "And that's exactly why we're here today."

Her tone shifted slightly, more professional now.

"Today's objective is simple: each team will venture into the deeper section of the forest and collect samples of the crimson sap. You'll find the trees rich with it about two kilometers in. You'll be working in your teams, and you are not to separate. Understood?"

A chorus of nods followed.

"Your goal is to harvest at least one container's worth of sap per team. I'll be making rounds, and while this is a low-threat area, you are to immediately signal me via your scrolls if you encounter anything you cannot handle."

She flashed a more casual grin. "Oh, and try not to die. It'd be super awkward to explain that to your parents."

A ripple of nervous laughter spread through the students.

"Alright—Team RWBY, you're with me for the first leg. The rest of you, stagger out in one-minute intervals. We'll meet back here at the clearing in two hours. Clock's ticking!"

The students began organizing themselves, checking gear and coordinating. Jaune adjusted his chest plate while Pyrrha quietly double-checked his scroll. Cardin grumbled something to his teammates while shooting an annoyed glance at Team JNPR. Prism from Team PRMS led her team with quiet efficiency, while Taro of Team TERA looked like he was more excited to sightsee than anything else.

As the forest slowly swallowed up each team, Professor Peach led the first group in with practiced steps.

And so began the first mission of Class A—First Year—in the heart of Forever Fall.

Team JNPR moved in formation, their boots crunching through the undergrowth. Jaune led the way with an awkward confidence, fingers tapping nervously against the scroll in his pocket. Pyrrha walked beside him, alert and serene. Nora bounced just ahead, full of restless energy, and Ren brought up the rear, silent and watchful.

"Why do all field trips have to involve bugs and leaves?" Nora whined. "I signed up for Grimmslaying 101, not... Tree Sap gathering."

"Technically," Jaune said, "that's Grimmslaying 102. You gotta pass Forest Foraging first."

Nora stuck her tongue out. "Great. So I get to be the best at punching trees now?"

Pyrrha chuckled softly, scanning the treetops. "The trees here are very valuable, at least we get to move more outside Beacon for once."

"Yeah," Jaune said. "Valuable enough for Peach to remind us five times not to drink it."

"I still think that warning was aimed at Nora," Ren said dryly.