The battle was over, and the Atlesian forces were mopping up the last of the Grimm. Professor Goodwitch had sealed the breach, which meant Jaune had a chance to relax. He was still having a hard time processing what had happened.

Grimm.

In Vale.

Not even on the outskirts, right in the center of downtown. Jaune could only imagine what this would do to the general populace. The feelings of security that the walls of Vale provided would be shattered, people would grow fearful and angry, which would make the Grimm bolder.

"That's why we're here, I guess" he smiled, putting those worries aside for now. He rose, and scanned the area for his team. Pyrrha was inspecting her equipment, making sure it remained in perfect condition. This was her custom after any battle. A warrior was only as good as their weapons.

Ren sat some distance away, breathing deeply to regain his strength. The battle had been a long one, and Ren's endurance wasn't the highest. Jaune often felt it was his only weakness in battle.

He gave a start when he realized that Nora wasn't by Ren's side. He looked around frantically, realizing she was nowhere to be found. He saw Ruby and Yang nearby. "Have either of you seen Nora?"

Ruby laughed, "She's leading the mop up."

Jaune smiled, relieved, "Guess I shouldn't be surprised. Just wish she'd told me before running off."

Yang smirked, "What are you her dad?"

"No, but I'm her leader. And this is still a battlefield. It's my job to at least know where my team is in battle."

"Look at you Vomit boy! Falling right into the leader role." Yang gave him a playful slug on the shoulder. She was as glad as anyone to see him improving and stepping up as a leader.

"Don't worry" Ruby assured him, "she had an entire battalion of Atlesian Knights at her back. She'll be fine."

"How's your team?"

"We're fine" Yang responded, a little aggressively. Jaune saw the look of concern that Ruby shot her, and wisely excused himself so the sisters could talk. He found Weiss and Blake lounging next to one of the train cars that had ended up outside the tunnel. He was momentarily surprised by the lack of butterflies he felt looking at Weiss. Not two days ago his stomach had done somersaults when he saw her, but now there was only a faint stirring.

"Guess that means I'm over her", he thought. Setting her up with Neptune and spending the dance with Pyrrha seemed to have done the trick.

Blake waved to him, "How's it going Jaune?"

"Not bad, a few bumps and bruises, but no complaints."

"Looks like Pyrrha's training has been paying off."

"Well I've still got a ways to go bef-"

He was interrupted by three almost simultaneous events. First, Weiss and Blake's auras warned them of danger, and they dove out of the way. Second, Jaune saw and sensed their danger and darted forward with his shield raised. Third a large Faunus started his massive chainsaw as he descended on Weiss's former position from the top of the train car.

Jaune caught the blow on his shield and angled it to skid off his shield and strike the ground, at which point he brought his Crocea Mors down in a powerful blow that would've severed the Faunus hands if it weren't for his aura.

It did, however, succeed in causing the Faunus to drop his weapon.

Jaune followed up with a powerful backhanded swing, striking the Faunus' face with the hilt of Crocea Mors, and a kick to the ribs. The Faunus recovered quickly and tackled Jaune to the ground, causing him to drop Crocea Mors. He attempted to bring a powerful blow down on Jaune's head, but his knuckles instead met his shield. As the blow connected, Jaune heard a crack, and the Faunus cried in pain as he grabbed his wrist. Jaune brought his feet under the Faunus' ribs and pushed off, shoving him onto his back. The Faunus began to scramble for his weapon, only to be stopped when Jaune leapt on his back and locked in a sleeper hold, his sword and shield forgotten. Jaune held the grip for half a minute, until he felt the Faunus go limp.

After a moment Jaune crawled to his feet, and saw Weiss and Blake, weapons drawn, but staring at him in shock.

"What?"

Blake was the first to break the silence, turning to Weiss with a slight smirk. "Did Jaune just…"

Weiss interrupted her, "Yes, yes he did."