Update 04/10/2018: The story is complete with epilogue.

This story is my version of the events of Battle at Haven Academy. Specifically, the reveal of Jaune's Semblance. All key events still occur, so the story is more or less canon-friendly as of Ch.11-13. With one key difference. But before we start, there is one important thing: acknowledgements.

My thanks:

To Monty Oum, for creating this amazing RWBYverse. Shame you're not around, but it was almost three years of moving forward and look at us now: hours from the Volume 5 final.

To Rosterteeth, for keeping this crazy train going.

To the Dynamic Duo of Coeur Al'Aran and College Fool, for showing me just how good might be a well-written Jaune-centric story. And for introducing me to the concept of "unreliable narrator".

To Jiu-Jitsu Dude, for the ideas and our discussions about Jaune's role in the RWBYverse and stuff.

And my very special thanks to the trio of amazing ladies: Aray, Ulzhan and Margarita. They became my own team RWBY long before RWBY was even a thing and were inspiring me ever since. Yeah, they're awesome like that.

Now, off we go!

Take your pick

"True heroism is remarkably sober, very undramatic. It is not the urge to surpass all others at whatever cost, but the urge to serve the others at whatever cost." – Arthur Ashe

– What is wrong with you? How can you be so broken inside? To take so many lives and then come here and rub it in our faces like it's something to be proud of?! All with that damn smile on your face! I'm gonna make you pay for what you did! Do you hear me?

It was the last straw. All this pain, this impotent rage, this gut-eating guilt, all these sleepless nights and nightmares, when sleep finally came – take your pick at whichever was worse – all of it and then some more came back to him at once, breaking any dams of self-control and tearing to pieces any pretense on peace that he had managed to build over the past months. It was just too much. Tears flowed unchecked, not that he cared. Crocea Mors – when did he draw it anyway? – started to shake in his hands, so hard was his grip. There were voices to his left. Ruby said something. Her uncle said something. He didn't care.

– Well?! Say something!

The only thing that mattered was right in front of him. This… monster, who took away his partner, his friend, his… The memories of their kiss resurfaced not a moment too soon to torture him once again.

There was only one thing left in his world: the monster in form of a woman in front of him. And he was going to kill it, no matter what. Small part of him reminded him that even Pyrrha herself wasn't strong enough to take down that foe, but he ignored it. He was going to avenge her, consequences be damned.

– Who are you again? – came nonchalant, if slightly puzzled reply.

He raised his sword and felt the scream making the way up his throat. Camel's back snapped. Jaune Arc saw red.

– Jaune. – The voice was painfully familiar.

Jaune Arc saw red. But also gold, bronze and… emerald?

"– I know it's frustrating. – said Pyrrha with her usual beautiful and slightly apologetic smile, while offering me a hand. It always seemed to me that she tried to apologize every time she kicked my ass during our rooftop training sessions. As if she was afraid that she was too hard on me. She wasn't too hard on me. That was I who was too soft. Well, at least I've convinced her to stop apologizing verbally each and every time I found myself facedown on the floor. Or ass-down, it was a flip of the coin, really. More like flip of the Jaune. Damn it, Yang was infectious, wasn't she? Crap, Pyrrha was still talking to me!

– Hey, are you alright? Have you hit your head? You looked like you spaced out for a moment.

'Busted. Way to go, Jaune!'

– I'm fine! Just revised our spar, that's all. What were you saying? – I said smiling to her.

'Smooth. You're too smooth for your own good, pal.' – mocked the voice inside of my head again.

– I was saying that you shouldn't have pressed your attack like that. I'll admit, you had me on the ropes, but when I switched to spear, you should've restrategized after the first time I've got you with it. Instead you got angry and kept pushing. It's okay to be frustrated when you make a mistake. Losing control over yourself, however, is not. By doing so you start making more mistakes, therefore getting more frustrated and this vicious cycle continues up to the point when your opponent doesn't even have to do anything. You will knock yourself out. Sometimes, quite literally. You know what I'm talking about, right? – That smile again. Oum above, she really is afraid I'll take offence at it, isn't she? For pointing out my stupidest mistakes in the gentlest manner possible? Well, that's Pyrrha Nikos in a nutshell. Takes an arrow for you, apologizes for bleeding on your shirt. Sometimes I really wish she'd stop babying me, but that's just me being selfish jerk again. One day, however, she won't need to waste her time on whipping my ass into shape and I'll be able to look after her in return. But it'll be a long day coming, given how slow my progress is. Baby steps, honestly. 'Well crap, you did it again. Feel free to start growing your own Long hair.' Oh, for fucks sake!

– You're right, sorry. – Was my hasty response, don't want to worry her again. Yeah, I remembered my first spar with Cardin all too well. He had me riled up, had me where he wanted and when he wanted, and then had his way with me.

That sounded better in my hea… Actually, even in my head it sounds bad. Scratch the last thought.

– That's why combatants often try to taunt each other. To get their opponents angry, force them to make mistakes. I've had my fair share of it during tournaments. Badmouthing your opponent and direct insults are forbidden, but it only means that veiled insults and clever barbs are used. Some of my opponents… less honorable ones, that is, tried to use all sorts of mind tricks on me. That was actually pretty smart idea if you think about it.

– But you won, like, all the tournaments? So they weren't able to rile you up, right?

– Yes and no. While ignoring taunts is the best option, sometimes they were able to get under my skin. And I did got angry. But I hadn't let my anger to control me, instead I used it to fuel me. I'd say, if they want to make you angry, it is only fair to let them reap what they sowed. Answer to their sharp words with even sharper sword. And see them down for the count in the end. Then that look in their eyes when I did the polite thing and offered them a hand – priceless. Oh, that felt not just good, that felt… cathartic! – Pyrrha finished her little speech with contented sigh and a smile which was nothing short of predatory. That was one of her rarest smiles, the one which was shown only when her usual polite and reserved "public" persona slipped. For all her kind heart and gentle manners, she sure had soul of a warrior.

– Now that's the smile I would like to see more often! Even if it's kinda scaring the crap out of me a little.

– Quiet, you! – She slugged my hand, blushing fiercely. Huh, too easy!"

…and instead of scream he let out mighty half-sigh, half-sob. Memories dimmed, with two gentle emeralds being the last to fade away, while red condensed in two shapes, both being female figures: one in front of him, and one right beside him. He wanted to kill one and he needed to protect the other. He took his pick.

– Oh my, looks like I've broken him. Might as well just leave him be. Not much of a challenge anyway. – drawled that thing with hint of amusement in its voice.

– Jaune… – It was Nora, looking at him with worried expression. Ruby was trying to keep an eye on the enemies, but was glancing at him too. Great! He had distracted them with his little tantrum when they needed to stay focused on the enemy.

– Damn it, kid, snap out of it! – Even Ruby's uncle was distracted. At least, he had eyes locked firmly on his sister, which was very smart idea. For some reason that woman, Yang's mother, gave strong presence of restrained power. Almost like a tight coil, ready to spring at any moment. Not unlike Yang herself, but stronger… and menacing. Looks like Qrow knew better than to leave his sister out of sight.

– I'm… okay. – He managed to rasp loud enough for his friends to hear, while lowering Crocea Mors and returning it to its "basic" mode. – Don't worry about me, I got this. – That was, probably, the most cliché thing out of everything he might have said, but clichés are there for a reason: they are packs of instant noodles, which you use when you don't have nor time, nor desire to cook elaborate sentence.

While this wasn't the time for speeches anyway, Jaune's curtness was caused by the fact that he was struggling with the storm of conflicting emotions. He needed time; he needed something, anything to drag this sick parody on a pre-fight banter just a little bit longer. Thankfully, Lady Luck finally decided to turn her face towards him. Her smile was enigmatic, and her eyes were green.

– I'm starting to remember you now. You're the dense one that can't tell when he's out of his league. – It seemed that she just couldn't stop gloating.

"Tell me something I don't know." – Jaune thought bitterly.

– Yep, that would be me! How nice of you to finally recognize! – He answered, unsheathing his sword with what, as he desperately hoped, was looking like a flourish. And then he had cracked confident grin for good measure. Well, as most confident as you can get with tear-streaked face and running nose, but still!

– You've really gone mad, haven't you? It would be amusing if it wasn't so pathetic and disgusting. And you're calling me the broken one. – Contrary to her words, she did sound amused. To her right was Emerald, face twisted in disgust, the next one was Mercury, who snickered openly. Headmaster Lionheart upstairs looked like he wished to be anywhere, but here, while Yang's mother – "Raven", if he caught her name correctly – and short-haired girl – she was the Spring Maiden they were supposed to take from the bandits? – were at the far right of the line, and were conversing quietly, as if both were positively bored and decided to chat a little. As if! He would've killed to be able to hear what Raven was saying, but alas. For the briefest moment he wished for Blake to be here, and not just because of her awesome cat ears. Then he banished these thoughts.

He didn't dare to turn and look at the big guy, who cut their escape, because while his little scene bought a few seconds and did let him assess the enemy's positions, even quick glance over the shoulder might blow his desperate scheme. Even he wasn't that good at pretending to be a complete idiot with zero coordination to turn around, look at the man, and then return to his original position and then play it off as a stumble. This red witch would definitely notice and then the game would be over.

– Jaune, please, hold on! Don't let her break you! – Ruby's frantic whisper made him smile inwardly. Her intuition was always on point when it came to her friends, but she was a little late with her warning. He was already broken. And right now he was in process of picking up pieces and rearranging them in a new form.

All his rage and frustration, guilt and anger molded into something hard and unyielding inside of his chest. In the moment of cold clarity he realized that people were going to die. They were outmatched, the two Maidens alone were more than enough to make the fight almost unwinnable. And even if they had fighting chance, even if they would somehow manage to win, someone were going to die. There was no way around that. It could be Ruby, their enemy already had expressed interest in her. It might be Yang, who would never leave her sister's side and share her fate no matter what. It might be Weiss… He stopped this train of thought with the screech of emergency breaks. They won't die. Not today, not here, not like this. If anyone should die, then it will be him. He played his part. Ruby had Weiss, Yang and her uncle to back her up now. Ren and Nora had each other, never mind that "not together-together" bullshit. They were important. He? He was expendable. Simple as that. He had to protect them – whatever it takes. Though, simply throw himself onto the enemy wouldn't do. It would be… a waste. He could be useful only as long as he was alive, after all.

– Don't worry, I got this! – He flashed yet another smile and deployed his shield, with yet another flourish. When it obscured his lower face for a moment, he quickly whispered to Ruby:

– I'm okay. I have a plan. Play along. – Her eyes slightly widened, then she gave him tiniest of the nods, more like hint of the nod even. And where was the good ol' clueless, socially awkward Ruby? Not on the battlefield, that's for sure.

And then their time was up.

– I think it was enough of chit-chat, wouldn't you agree, dear brother of mine? – Raven spoken calmly, not even the slightest pause mid-sentence at the moment when she had drawn her katana and struck her brother. Resounding clang of metal, however, made it clear that Qrow was ready for something like that. The twins stood against each other, blades and eyes locked.

While they were at each other's throats – both figuratively and literally – he tried to take in the situation. Ruby was ready for action, scythe deployed and eyes narrowed, while Yang's eyes were locked on Mercury and getting redder by the moment, but, surprisingly, she somehow managed to keep herself in check and stayed in formation, stance low and arms raised. Ren and Nora were slowly closing the gap between them until their shoulders were almost touching. They were always doing this every time they felt under pressure. Qrow was still locked in the stalemate with his sister and Weiss stood with her rapier drawn, shoring their line. Oscar hung back and was slowly creeping to the edge of their loose formation. He hadn't even tried to understand what the boy with dual soul was doing, instead trusting Ozpin to take care for both of them. Their opponents all dropped into their combat stances except for the big guy, who was still standing near the hall entrance, and her.

Qrow and Raven had finally finished their 'family talk' and proceeded to trade blows while pinballing in the general direction of a wall. No that any of those two 'birds' cared.

"Well, here goes our strongest fighter, but at least he takes one unknown with him."

– I think dear Raven might have a point. While it was nice to catch up and all, we have to attend to our business here. We don't want White Fang to lose their already short patience and blow us up along with the Academy, now would we? – The hated voice drawled. Then she raised her hand and fiery sword materialized in her grasp.

– Let's see what Schnee name really means. - it was the Spring Maiden, challenge obvious.

– I am more than a name! – Weiss answered proudly, assuming the perfect En Gardé stance.

"Not that I would've known how it looks like, but it's Weiss, so it can't be anything but the textbook example, right?"

– Hm. Prove it!

"Seriously? You're doing this too?"

Weiss answered by summoning glyph under her feet and charging with a war cry.

"Dammit, Weiss! You were supposed to be the smart one! Well, it is now or never, I guess."

– Ruby, fire! – and not a second later air was filled with sharp ringing of rifle shots.

"Aw, Ruby, you adorable little rose! Ever reliable when it comes to shooting at the enemy!"

The trio in front of them backed off a few steps instinctively, dodging and deflecting bullets. Barrage was over in a few moments when Cinder retaliated by sending wave of flames, forcing Ruby to cease fire and jump in the air. While barrage hasn't done any significant damage, it served its purpose. Now they had the initiative.

"Well, here goes nothing."

– Listen up! Ren, Nora! Focus on the Green Bitch! I don't want any of her illusion crap! – oh yes, he remembered what Ruby told him about the Tournament and how this girl was able to mess with Coco, Yang and, apparently, Pyrrha's perception during the fights.

– Aye, aye, Fearless Leader! – of course Nora was happy to comply. Ren just simply sighted down with his twin guns.

– Excuse me?! – Emerald shouted indignantly, earning snicker from her partner.

"Wow, didn't think that I'll hit a nerve with that one. It's like the lamest insult ever, I wasn't even trying. It just slipped! Oh well."

– That was a good one, man, I'll give you that. – complimented Mercury, and took an elbow to his ribs, glaring at Emerald in return.

"You liked that, pal? Okay, how about this one?"

– Ruby, take out the Grey Loser, because, obviously, your sister hadn't finished the job. Don't let him forfeit at all costs!

"Polearm, sniper rifle and super-speed. Good luck trying to close these gaps, Mr Shotgun-boots!"

– I was holding back! I could've wiped the floor with that read-headed chick of yours! – yelled the assassin, losing all of his cool and trying to attack him, only to be intercepted by Ruby. Scythe met boot, a second of power-struggle followed, and then both fighters disengaged, discharging their weapons simultaneously.

– Yeah, yeah. Keep telling this to yourself, it's not like you can prove it.

– It's because the bitch is dead!

"Do you seriously think I haven't seen it coming? Also, I hope Ruby will chop your fucking arms for that, so Nora could smash your legs. Let's see how you'll repair them after that."

– Like I said: you can't prove it. Now, Yang, while Ruby is cleaning up your mess, like a good sister she is, go and fight the Big Guy.

– I'll get you for that one, Vomit Boy! – promised Yang and charged at the said man, propelling herself with blast from her weapons.

– You'll have to get the Big Guy first, Sunshine!

"Holy crap, did I just sassmouthed Yang? If only I could survive long enough to tell the tale!"

– No insulting nickname for me, boy? – the robust man asked, blocking the first of Yang's punches with almost contemptuous ease.

– No. We don't know you, so we fight you just because you're with them. It's nothing personal, Big Guy. – answered Yang instead of Jaune, discharging both of her weapons in his face.

– Good. I don't want to fight you, children, either. But I will. Like you said, nothing personal. – He blocked that buckshot with his forearms and retaliated with the punch which sent Yang flying. She recovered in mid-air, and flung herself back onto him with another shotgun blast.

"Well, it leaves only me and Oscar. Where is he, anyway? And where is…"

Only hours upon hours of Pyrrha's training saved him from the killing blow. He wiped around and blocked the fiery sword with his shield, but only just. Cinder broke his unsteady guard and delivered punishing kick in his solar plexus. Breastplate took the brunt of the strike, but the force behind it left him reeling and pushed air out his lungs.

– I was bored of your little team-captain act here, so I've decided to remind about myself. After all, it's considered rude to leave the lady waiting.

"True. But you are not lady. You're a monster."

– And as for me, I will take out That Thing personally! – He declared loudly, trying to sound like it all was the part of his plan. He managed to spot Oscar upstairs, on the balcony. He was engaging Lionheart and had him in the defensive. That was good news, no risk of getting shot from up there.

– Oh, you think you'll be able to succeed where your partner failed? That's hilarious! – She kept her cool, but he felt that he was able to get to her, if only a little, with his pointed refusal to acknowledge her as a human being.

Cinder launched series of powerful strikes. He deflected and parried what he could with his shield and sword, but she was right on the money about one thing: he wasn't Pyrrha, so more than a few strikes connected. Armor was holding so far, but he still felt chunks of his Aura ripping away with every hit. He had to think of something.

Jaune spared quick glance at the TacScroll, attached to the inward side of his left armguard. His Aura was still in the green, slightly higher than three quarters. The others were doing relatively fine Aura-wise, except for Weiss, who was deep in the yellow and falling. She needed help, that much was obvious even without any technical gadgets, but the status screen showed just how bad things were going for her. At moments like this he felt immense gratitude to Ruby and Professor Goodwitch, who had helped him construct this device.

After his disastrous day beau in the combat class, he took to heart Glynda's advice to keep a close eye on his Aura levels by referring to his Scroll. Not that it stopped him from attacking that Ursa Major back at the Forever Fall, when he charged the thing while he knew that his Aura was nearly depleted. Point is, he knew that thanks to his Scroll. But later he found it increasingly uncomfortable to attach and then detach his Scroll from the inside of his shield. The alternative was to simply 'feel' his Aura levels, like many Hunters did. However, he wanted to be able to have more precise information about Aura levels, both his and his teammates', without the need to constantly pull out his Scroll. So he went to Glynda, who was able to put him in right direction. Long story short, he managed to procure one of the wrist-mounted devices, used by Valean military to allow officers monitor the vitals and relative positioning of their soldiers during the fight. Glynda helped him with adjusting it to monitor Aura levels, while Ruby helped design armglass cover and clasps which allowed the device to be attached to his armor. The device was dubbed "TacScroll" and at some point received an upgrade which allowed it to monitor status of team RWBY too, when in vicinity of Ruby's Scroll. This feature proved to be very helpful during their joint missions.

Being knight and all, his first urge was to rush to Weiss personally, but he was stuck being Cinder's punching bag at the moment. He was barely holding up, and wouldn't be much of a help to her anyway, even if he managed to disengage.

"This is gonna suck..."

– Nora, Weiss is in trouble, help her! Ren, keep the pressure up! – he yelled to his teammates. This distraction, however brief, had cost him a fist in the temple. Stars danced before his eyes, as he flied, and exploded, when he landed on the floor.

"Yep, totally called it. This sucks."

He scrambled to his feet and glanced on TacScroll again. Weiss was bordering red, but at least her Aura stopped falling down. Explosions and loud sounds of building receiving structural damage told him that Nora was doing her thing. His own Aura dropped for a portion after that strike, but it was good trade as far as he was concerned.

– It was rather impolite of you, wouldn't you agree? You're providing no more challenge than a punching bag, but now you're insulting me by not paying me your full attention?

"You know, there is a fine line between being punching bag and tanking the boss."

– Guilty as charged! – he tried to shield-bash her, and was surprised when his hit connected. It hadn't desired effect though, because instead of unbalancing her, he only managed to lose balance himself when Cinder just took his strike on her forearm unflinchingly. Counterattack was swift and his Aura dropped yet another bit.

They were losing, that was obvious. They were doing their best, but it simply wasn't enough. Everyone's Auras, except for Nora's and Ruby's, were in the yellow already, and fight wasn't going for that long. He hated to admit it, but without help they would be overwhelmed soon. He tried to think of something, tried to hatch some sort of trick, but nothing came out of it, except for a few extra hits, received due to lack of focus.

When Jaune was getting up to his feet for umpteenth time, his blood had frozen. He saw Ruby lining up shot… at Weiss, while Mercury was approaching Ruby from her blindside! It seemed that with Nora gone to help Weiss, Emerald had enough breathing room to start her tricks. Not that he could blame his bro, they all were fighting an uphill battle.

– Ruby, friendly fire! Check, check, check! He's behind you! – Ruby still pulled the trigger reflexively, but managed to jerk barrel to the side and bullet hit a wall. Then she vanished in a blur of petals.

– You know, I've grown tired your attempts to waste my time. And you should know better than let yourself be distracted in the fight. – She batted his shield aside and delivered crushing blow to his chest with her left hand. He had glimpse of almost Grimm-like claws, obscured by the sleeve and then was sent flying once again, sword and shield clattering on the floor.

Jaune groaned, trying and failing to pick himself up. When he got that hit, something cracked. Probably, it was his breastplate. Or his ribs. Most likely both, because there were visible dent in his armor and he felt pangs of pain each time he inhaled and try as he might, he just couldn't catch his breath.

"Snow Angel so owes me for that one."

He managed to push himself to his knees when he saw That Thing approaching him, sword raised, the only visible eye glowing molten gold and giving off some kind of fire exhaust. That would've looked funny and cartoonish, if it wasn't scary as hell. Then her sword started to glow too.

– Time for you to join your partner. Any last words? Maybe a quip of sorts?

– Go… to hell, you… monster!

– Tch, pity. And here I thought that at least you are better with your words than with your sword. But looks like you're not very good with either.

"Well, you're not entirely wrong."

– Tell me something, though. Do you believe in destiny?

Did he? He came back to his fateful talk with Pyrrha more than once since that day. He always dreamed of becoming a Hero and in that he saw his destiny. Has it changed? After everything that happened he asked himself this question, but couldn't find an answer. But right now, seconds before his death, he finally found it. He still wanted to become a Hero. But his definition of what it means to be one – this had changed. He didn't want to become a renowned warrior or decorated war hero like his ancestors anymore. Gone were days when he dreamed of beautiful ladies, smitten by his charm and reputation and longing for his attention. Now he wanted nothing more than protect the innocents from monsters such as the one in front of him, but first of all he wanted – no, he needed – to be a Hero to protect his friends, his family.

Boisterous and cheerful Nora, huge smile and crazy story always at the ready, she was living, beating heart of their wounded team. She should never know that he heard her muffled crying at nights. Quiet and wise beyond his age Ren, whose stoic mask could've fooled many, but not him. Remnants of team JNPR, they were his eighth sister and the only brother in everything but blood, they helped him to pull through when he was falling apart. Quirky and adorkable Ruby, his first real friend and his etalon of the true leader, was always there to banish his doubts with one decisive "Nope!". Her sister, mighty Sun Dragon, whose flames were now burning even brighter and whose terrible jokes never failed to lighten his spirits. Ever graceful Weiss, his first crush and now his stalwart friend, who was never the one to sugarcoat truth and whose words often stung, but he came to appreciate her brutal honesty and dry humor eventually. Mysterious and reserved Blake, whose silent camaraderie was now one of the constants in his life. He was surprised when he realized just how much he missed the black-haired girl, hiding behind the book in the background.

His thoughts went to his sisters and mother; they were smiling and frowning at him, laughing with him… and at him. He was sure they were alright. They had his dad to protect them, and if there was one unshakable bastion in this world, that was his father. They'll be safe. He just wished that one day he would be able to sit and have a long talk with his old man. After everything he went through, he could understand his father a great deal better and sympathized with him deeply.

And Pyrrha Nikos... Amazing, kind, beautiful, always there to help, selfless to no end. She was mother of their team. He was so lucky to have her as a partner, she had done so much to him and now he'll never be able to pay her back. She was taken away because he failed to protect her, but there were six other souls, who needed him. And he will be a Hero – for them. He will protect them, whatever it takes. That was the path he had chosen, that was his destiny.

– I believe in destiny. One that I've forged for myself!

–That, at least, I can respect. Farewell, young knight.

Fiery blade fell down, but he was already springing to his feet. He managed to grab her right wrist with his left hand, while slamming his right fist into her face. His own face was distorted in rage, he hit once, twice, but after the third punch she recovered and hit him with her left hand square in the chest. He fell on the floor and a second later heeled boot slammed into his already beaten and bruised chest.

– So much anger and hatred. Maybe I'll be doing you a favor by putting you out of your misery?

He wracked his brain for a smartass reply, but couldn't find any reply at all. And even if he did, there were no air left in his lungs, so he could only glare defiantly while tip of the sword was falling towards his throat.

"Well, I guess this is it. I've done my best. Damn shame it wasn't enough. I'm sorry, guys."

– JAUNE!

And then there was blinding light.

A/N: So this is why authors like cliffhangers so much?