Underneath The Shattered Moon [RWBY X OC]

Chapter 23

The scene unfolded with Pyrrha Nikos, her athletic form gleaming in the dim light of the locker room as she donned her sparring gear. The air crackled with anticipation as she exited, stepping onto the training arena.

The camera cut to the heart of the action, Pyrrha engaged in a fierce spar with Cardin Winchester, his arrogant smirk a stark contrast to her focused determination. The scene flickered back to her exit, then back to the spar, the pace quickening as Cardin's teammates, the rest of Team CRDL, joined the fray.

The fight reached its climax, with Pyrrha skillfully maneuvering through the onslaught, finally landing a decisive blow that sent Cardin sprawling to the ground, clutching his ribs in pain.

Glynda Goodwitch, her presence imposing, approached the fallen Cardin. "And that's the match," she declared, her voice carrying across the arena.

Cardin, his pride wounded, muttered, "Lucky shot."

Glynda ignored his protest, instead turning to Pyrrha with a nod. "Well done, Miss Nikos. You should have no problem qualifying for the tournament."

Pyrrha, ever gracious, replied, "Thank you, Professor."

Glynda's gaze swept across the observing students. "Alright, now I know that's a tough act to follow, but we have time for one more sparring match. Any volunteers?" Her eyes settled on Blake Belladonna, who was attempting to conceal herself behind a book. "Ms. Belladonna? You've been rather docile for the past few classes. Why don't you—"

Before Glynda could finish her sentence, Mercury Black raised his hand with a predatory gleam in his eye. "I'll do it."

Glynda arched a brow, "Mercury, is it? Very well, let's find you an opponent."

Mercury's gaze settled on Pyrrha, his voice laced with a challenge. "Actually, I wanna fight... her."

Pyrrha's eyebrows furrowed in surprise, "Me?"

Glynda shook her head gently. "I'm afraid Miss Nikos has just finished the match. I recommend you choose another partner."

Mercury's eyes darted around the room before landing on Aebelle, a newcomer to the scene. "Her..." he declared, pointing at the bewildered girl.

Aebelle, caught off guard, stammered, "Huh? M-me?"

Glynda nodded, "I suppose. This is Aebelle's first spar."

Mercury sauntered into the arena, his movements a study in practiced arrogance as he sized up Aebelle. The spar commenced with a sudden burst of motion, Mercury's attack met with an unexpected counter. He was knocked down, but his recovery was swift, a flurry of motions and blocked attacks. The two traded blows, a whirlwind of motion, until Aebelle landed a decisive strike, sending him staggering back with her katana.

Ruby Rose, watching the spar with interest, leaned towards Emerald Sustrai. "Hey, your friend's doing pretty good."

Emerald managed a strained smile before rolling her eyes as Ruby turned her attention back to the fight.

Mercury unleashed a series of powerful strikes, his movements a blur. He slammed Aebelle against the arena wall with a powerful kick, then disarmed her, sending her Royal Glaive clattering to the ground. Aebelle's breathing quickened, panic blooming in her eyes, but then, in a flash of unexpected brilliance, a soft white light enveloped her. White magic, swirling around her, redirected Mercury's next attack with surprising agility. She charged, her katana now back in hand, as Mercury reacted with a lightning-fast jump, turning his back on her as she charged. Aebelle slowed, the magic dissipating as quickly as it appeared.

Mercury, his expression unaffected, nonchalantly announced, “I forfeit.”

Aebelle stared at her hand, a look of confusion clouding her features. "What was that?" she murmured to herself.