Male Reader x RWBY: Volume 3 / Reader x Yang Xiao Long

Chapter II: Rhinos and Guerillas

Standing on the other end of the arena was a man of about your height, maybe a few inches shorter. He was donned in a black cloak, the hood casting a shadow over his face and obscuring his features. In his left hand was a recurve bow, a quiver of arrows strapped around his back. You couldn't quite determine how fit he was, the cloak being quite bulky and hiding any muscle he may or may not have. You'd have to wait until the two of you engaged before you could make any decisions to exploit his strength, or lack thereof.

Suddenly, several holographic screens appeared around the arena, each one shuffling through a selection of potential landscapes that would make up the battlefield. Several seconds later, the screens stopped. Your side landed on an image of a large tree. The ground under your feet began sprouting tall grass as an evergreen forest bloomed into existence. Across from you, the ground began shifting as large rocks erupted in jagged formations, several crags protruding high into the sky. As the ground stopped moving, a loud buzzer sounded, signaling the beginning of the match.

As always, you bent at the waist and brought your head down in a respectful bow. Unfortunately, it seemed Wilhelm did not share your sense of honor, and with your head still stooped, eyes at the ground, you heard a sharp 'twang' as the string on his bow released. Lifting only your eyes, you saw an arrow flying your way. Years of training however had made your reflexes sharp, your reaction speed faster than a bullet. Your arm quickly whipped up from your side and your fist clasped around the shaft of the arrow, stopping it just centimeters from your eyes.

Standing erect, you threw the arrow to the side as an audible gasp sounded from the crowd, who was clearly impressed. Several boos accompanied the gasp as several audience members hissed at Wilhelm's lack of respect. Loudest of the protests was Yang, who you could hear over the rest of the crowd as she heckled Wilhelm. The two of you began slowly walking towards one another. Wilhelm drew another arrow from his quiver and sent it flying your way. Again, you caught it, your pace increasing to a light jog. Another arrow flied through the air, and another, and another. Again and again you caught the arrows and snapped them in half or discarded them to the side. Now in a full sprint, Wilhelm ceased firing, instead brandishing his bow as if he were readying to strike you across the face. As the two of you got within fighting distance, you instinctively ducked to avoid his bow, but were surprised to find instead of a bow passing over your head, Wilhelm's entire body had. A bluff, allowing him to get behind you. Quickly turning, you saw him release three arrows from his bow simultaneously. Stepping forward with your right leg, you threw your body down, the head of Rhino's Charge whipping over your shoulder and knocking the arrows from their path. Looking up, you saw the flap of Wilhelm's cloak disappear into the trees before he disappeared completely from sight.

"It appears that young Mr. Schwarz has retreated into the forest." Professor Port announced.

"Yes, yes." Dr. Oobleck nodded. "Though Vacuo is a primarily barren landscape, devoid of any plant life or greenery, Mr. Schwarz was actually a student of Mistral Academy before transferring, where the forests are plenty."

"Mr. Schwarz favors guerrilla tactics," Port informed, "using his natural surroundings to get the drop on his enemies. However, Mr. (L/N) is no stranger to wildlife himself, having been raised deep in Vale's forested mountains at the mysterious Sun Zhang monestary."

As the two commentators continued to provide colorful background for the audience, you scanned the trees with your eyes, looking for any sign of irregular movement that might signal your opponent. Looking over the tree line, your eyes flickered back at the sight of several pine needles falling from the branches. Sure enough, an arrow was soon sent flying seemingly from the evergreen itself. Another arrow followed it, this one sent from a tree several feet to the left. You swung Rhino's Charge in a circular motion and maneuvered it across your body, the heavy head knocking any of the arrows away. It was times like these that Ruby's words echoed in your head.