Jaune's Resolve

6 - Depth

JNPR Dorm

Sunlight streamed through the tall windows of Beacon's dorms, casting golden rectangles across the wooden floorboards. The warmth kissed Jaune's face, gently coaxing him from the edges of sleep.

He groaned.

Every muscle in his body protested as he shifted under the covers, the soreness from the Ursa attack still lingering, though dulled now—more a reminder than a punishment. He squinted up at the ceiling, letting the quiet hum of morning activity seep into his awareness.

Drawers opening. Fabric rustling. A quiet conversation near the door.

"Do you think he'll be alright for combat class today?" came Pyrrha's voice—gentle, but edged with concern.

"He's Jaune," Ren replied smoothly. "He'll stumble through it one way or another."

"I say we make him carry my hammer around all day as training!" came Nora's much louder contribution.

Jaune sat up with a grunt, his blanket sliding off his chest.

"Appreciate the confidence, everyone," he rasped, voice still thick with sleep.

Three heads turned toward him.

Pyrrha smiled softly. "Morning, Jaune."

"You live!" Nora declared dramatically, already half-dressed in her Beacon-issued uniform.

"Barely." Jaune swung his legs over the side of the bed, wincing just a little as his joints cracked. His muscles still ached, but nothing like they had the day before. No stabbing pain, no tightness in his chest. Just fatigue—and maybe some stiffness in his right shoulder. "Ugh. I feel like I wrestled a Deathstalker."

"You fought an Ursa," Ren reminded him from his corner, finishing the fastenings on his black shoes.

Pyrrha let out a small laugh.

Jaune moved through the dorm and took a quick bath, brushed his teeth then he moved toward the closet, grabbing his uniform jacket.

His hair was a mess, but he didn't really care. They had combat drills with Professor Goodwitch later—sweating through it was guaranteed anyway.

As he buttoned his uniform, he glanced around at his team.

Nora humming to herself as she checked the contents of her bag for snacks.

Ren quietly adjusting the straps on his harness.

Pyrrha tightening the buckles of her gloves, focused but calm.

It hit him again, as it always did in quiet moments like this: how lucky he was to have them.

And for the first time in what felt like forever, he wasn't dreading class. He wasn't faking confidence.

He was just... greatful to be here.

Jaune stretched once, working the tightness out of his back.

"Alright," he said, voice clearer now. "Let's go show the rest of the class how it's done."

Nora pumped a fist. "That's the spirit!"

Pyrrha gave him an approving nod as she opened the door. "Lead the way, fearless leader."

And as they stepped into the hallway, the late morning sun pouring across the academy grounds beyond the windows, Jaune smiled—not because he had to.

But because he wanted to.

As Team JNPR stepped out into the hallway, the door to the dorm across from them clicked open at the same time.

Team RWBY emerged—Ruby bounding out first with her usual burst of energy, followed by Weiss adjusting the cuffs of her uniform with practiced precision. Blake trailed behind, nose buried in a small book, while Yang stretched her arms above her head, letting out a casual yawn.