Man Or Monster

Under The Highway

3rd POV

The Paladin fires its gun as Y/N serpentines through the attacks. But as he does so his broken ribs ache ceasing his movement. This makes him get hit. Getting launched he slams his back into a pillar. He gets up whining; looking back he sees the Paladin stomping its way to him.

Y/N switches to an Ursa Major running towards the Paladin. He brings down his paw cutting through the Paladin's chest armor. The Paladin punches his ribs making him roar in pain. It then punches him into the dirt. 

The Paladin brings down its foot but Y/N morphs himself into a Borbatusk. After rolling out of the way he uses the spin move to smash into the Paladin's chest. It slides back colliding with a pillar. 

Annoyed the Paladin stomps the ground before firing once more at Y/N. Returning to his Ursa Major form he roars launching his back spikes at the Paladin. The spikes tear through the Paladin's armor before completely destroying its left arm. 

Y/N runs in slicing the Paladin's stomach. But it knees his broken ribs taking him down. The Paladin then uses a hidden blade to stab Y/N in his side. He roars before being kicked away. As he falls to the ground black blood puddles under him.

At that moment team RWBY appear. Yang fires her gauntlets propelling herself towards the Paladin. It readies itself when Yang's hair turns sun gold. Then with a single punch she obliterates the Paladin's remaining arm.

Acting fast Weiss uses a glyph to freeze the Paladin in place. Finally Yang fires herself into the air. Firing again she comes down on the Paladin shattering it and sending Roman tumbling across the ground.

Roman: "Well kids. It's been fun, but this is where I take my leave."

On que he shatters leaving in a bullhead with Neo. The four huntresses then turn around to not find Y/N anywhere.

Blake: "Where'd the Grimm go?"

Yang: "Who cares? Let's just get back before they know we're missing."

They nod heading back to Beacon. But as they do they're left unaware of a simple blood trail heading behind a pillar towards Beacon. The day of the dance Y/N is seen sitting on a chair holding his still healing injuries. He's then met by Ruby.

Ruby: "Care to dance?"

Y/N: "Sure."

He grabs her hand as she leads them to the dancefloor. 

Ruby: "So, how's your time here going?"

Y/N: "Good. Learning... many things."

Ruby: "That's good. It's always good to learn."

She's spun around. As she comes back she notices a look on Y/N's face.

Ruby: "You okay? You look a little sad."

Y/N: "A little. It... sucks not knowing... a lot. Makes me... feel dumb."

Ruby: "You're not dumb Y/N. You're the furthest thing from dumb."

He sighs looking down.

Y/N: "I know not much. But I know one thing."

Ruby: "What's that?"

Y/N: "You're... a friend. You treat me kindly. Unlike... the rest."

Ruby: "Rest of what?"

Y/N: "The world. They say I'm... monster. Beast. Animal."

Ruby cups his cheeks putting his attention on her.

Ruby: "You're not an animal or anything of the like. You're a kind human with a gentle soul. People may call you all these names but they're wrong. They don't know the real you. You're human Y/N. And one of the best ones I've ever had the pleasure of meeting."

These words bring great comfort to Y/N. Despite being made of Grimm essence he's still partially human. But man often sees the beast within other man. And that's the case for Y/N. Because of his Grimm origins and nature, he's doomed to a certain life. 

A life of constant discrimination and hate. But by the grace of Oum he has someone who sees his human side. To him Ruby is the world he strives to live in. A world where he's seen for his true self. A little kid who wishes to live like everyone else.

Y/N: "You are... the best friend."

Ruby: "You're pretty good too."

Ruby smiles laying her head on his chest as they finish their dance.