Disclaimer: RWBY is owned by Monty Oum and by extension, Roosterteeth.

Every other source material including songs and fictional material is also not mine and must be given their due respects.

Also, I highly recommend you watch RWBY if you'd like. It may help visualize some of the scenes.

Title: Emerald Guillotine


The wind breezed past Jaune's ears as he glides over the Emerald Forest. One by one he witnessed his fellow freshmen dipped below the forest canopy as he flew past them above. Jaune was flying farther than anyone else, sans a few individuals, possibly due to his small, fragile frame, for a boy.

It was a few seconds and several meters until Jaune felt his velocity diminishing. Then a thought struck him.

How was he going to land?

Jaune's eyes widened as he drifted into the canopy, dodging tree branches with the upmost best of his abilities. He actually felt he could live through this...

Until he faceplanted into a stray branch. The sudden stop dazed Jaune as he slid off his attacker. Down to another branch below. Then to another. Then another. And after crashing into another branch that coincidentaly came from nowhere, Jaune met the ground with a solid thud. Jaune thanked whomever it was above for letting him retain his conciousness...

At least he would, because Jaune's a bit preoccupied in handling the recent pain he went through, sprawled on the ground, grasping his head. It was a while until Jaune took care of the relapses and recover from the floor. Jaune figured he could walk off his injuries until he finds the infirmary after initiation. His dad did taught him to be a brave, strong boy after all. He avoided touching his nose and bruises as he tries to figure out where's north. It was a bit difficult due to the forest canopy blocking the sun. However, Jaune managed to pinpoint north and as a result, the ruins where the relics are. He took a mere few steps before he realized something was wrong.

He felt that something was missing. What could it be that was missing? He has his sword, his scroll, a direction on where to go, his sca-

His scarf was missing.

Jaune snapped his hand on the naked space around his neck, covering the scar that he wanted no one to know about. He desperately whipped his head left and right for the gift Auntie Glynda gave him years ago. Jaune just couldn't live without that scarf. For years, he felt at peace with its bright red, soft cloth as it wrapped around his neck. Now that it's missing, Jaune felt... exposed. Vulnerable. Weak. Because of his scarf's disappearance, Jaune was afraid. Afraid of everything around him. The tall, menacing trees. The cold, cold air. The hissing, hostile wind. Like his voice, he lost his ability to do practically anything, much like an innocent child lost in the middle of nowhere.

Jaune was about to lose all hope until he averted his eyes up. They gleamed with the very same hope he was about to lose along with a very grateful smile.

His scarf was hanging off a low branch with an end dangling in the wind.

Jaune tried jumping for it, reaching for it with one hand while the other on his neck. No matter what the situation, Jaune would never abandon his belief that his scar must never be seen. It's what his mother and father told him to do and that's what he'll do! And besides, Jaune had came to the conclusion that people would never want to be friends with a mute or even a disabled. Ruby's an exception because she's sort of like an innocent kid. However, that does not mean that he would be accepted by others. Let me explain.

Ableism. The discrimination or social prejudice against victims of genetic or artificial disabilities of the auditory, physical, vocal, etc. Jaune had learned of this back when he was in the hospital. Jaune just couldn't believe that something as cruel as this exist among Remnant. In fact, Ableism was the reason why Jaune had such a sheltered childhood. His mother just wouldn't dare let Jaune feel the pain in being alone at school, never having a single friend. His father said otherwise. While he tried and tried again to convince his wife to let Jaune go to a real school instead of homeschooling to have a chance at social interaction (and get a girlfriend "LIKE A TRUE ARC MAN"), she was having none of it. She wasn't going to risk Jaune being rejected as some outcast by the very people that Jaune wants to be friends with. ("And besides, I'm the only woman Jaune will ever need!") Her statement was later taken back when she realized that she wanted to see her grandchildren before she dies, much to Jaune's chagrin and her husband's amusement.

Jaune had known already of who gave him his scar and had taken away his voice. A White Fang. A Faunus.

At this point, Jaune was disdainful of Faunus as a child, just like the majority of mankind. As time moves forward, he agreed with his mother and stayed inside his home for a number of years, with the benefit of avoiding Faunus and disabled discrimination alike. He never wanted to meet a Faunus at all. Later on, His parents decided to teach him who were the Faunus, despite his thinly veiled protests. Then Jaune learned that Ableism is considered light compared to the discrimination against Faunus. Jaune learned how Faunus were different from humans. He learned of the Faunus war and its background. He learned of their battles and tribulations. He learned of how they were treated for being 'different', of how they were shunned and ignored. Then he realized something, realized why that fateful day in the bank happened and realized the status of Faunus everywhere.

The White Fang were desperate for anything to help their cause. They were desperate enough to rob a bank in broad daylight. They were desperate enough to hold a child hostage.

Faunus-kind was always this hopelessly desperate. They were desperate for change. They were desperate for a result.

They were desperate for a solution.

They were desperate for acceptance.

At first, Jaune was sympathetic, understanding how hard it must be to be a Faunus and about how their personal lives must have been back then and now.

And then, he was absolutely empathetic.

Jaune realized that Faunus were social outcasts, just like him in a way. They were discriminated just the same with people like Jaune, for being 'different'. However, unlike him, they were willing to fight for their cause.

He understands. He understood why the White Fang did all of those robberies, kidnappings and murders.

And as a result, he looked up to them and their cause, minus all the stealing and murder.

Jaune had realized that Faunus were merely misunderstood and because of that, many lives were unnecessarily lost in the wars. He had realized why he had lost his voice and he had forgiven and accepted Faunus ever since.

And since this epiphany, Jaune had been wishing for the equality of both Faunus and Humanity. And maybe, Jaune could try finding a Faunus to befriend in Beacon.

And now, because of the Faunus's willingness to risk everything for a cause, Jaune had decided to train at Beacon, for both the honor of the Arc Lineage and for the benefit of the disabled, showing that even paraplegics, blind people, mutes, deaf people, the mentally impaired, anyone who is handicapped, can become hunters too.

However, until he actually graduates, Jaune'll be as stubborn as peacefully possible to cover his scar, protecting himself from social injustice. He may that much of a nice person, but the sight of his neck is strictly off limits! Not even when people ask nicely!

Jaune would've try climbing, but realized that it would require both his hands. His scarf was right there, waiting for him, but it's still just beyond his reach. He was about to try again until...

"Hello? Anyone there?"

Jaune heard a voice. He cringed when he realized his jumping might have attracted someone. In desperation of hiding his neck, he hid behind the tree at the direction opposite to the voice. He crouched and cupped his ear with his free hand to listen.

"Hello..? That's odd. I could have sworn I've heard someone..."

Jaune recognized the voice as a woman! It could be Ruby, Pyrrha, or Weiss, but he's not taking any chances for who it could be. He continued listening, hoping that the woman would leave.

"Hmm... If I remember correctly, North would be this way... Huh? A scarf?"

Jaune's eyes widened when he heard a thunk from wood, a swipe from the leaves, and a thud on the ground. Did she-!?

"Oh! There's a name on it. J-a-... Jaune? Hello? Jaune? Are you around?"

Jaune leaped out of his hiding place in hopes of grabbing his scarf, but instantly repressed back behind the tree when he remembered that his scarf isn't covering his neck. His action wasn't left unnoticed by the woman at the other side of the tree.

"Jaune? Are you there?"

Jaune weighed his options. On one end, he could reveal himself and his scar to grab his scarf back. Instantly denied. On the other, he could peek over the side to see who it was. Jaune reluctantly had to go with it. Jaune slowly peeked over his eye to see a woman in bronze armor and waist length red hair. He rememebered who she was.

"It's me, Pyrrha! From the locker rooms?" The woman spoke to empty air.

Jaune was somewhat relieved to see the woman as Pyrrha... holding his scarf! Jaune's compromise broke from the shock of the sight and he flinched immediately as Pyrrha turned fast enough to catch him staring at her. Jaune quickly shrank back behind the tree, narrowly avoided his hand and neck from being seen.

"No no! I won't hurt you! Look, I found your scarf!" Pyrrha held out Jaune's scarf. She saw Jaune slowly showing his deep blue eyes because of her discovery, his hand held the side of the tree.

"Don't be afraid! I'll give it back to you." Pyrrha promised Jaune, who was still behind his tree.

They both stood silent as they watched each other's stares. Pyrrha witnessed Jaune's eyes occasionally shifting from her and the ground. Pyrrha gulped as she kept quiet as much as she could, lest she scares her partner away, on the first day no less.

Then, she saw Jaune's hand steadily reaching out from his tree towards her. Pyrrha's expression brightened at the sight.

She took an abrupt step forward and Jaune pulled his arm away just as quick.

"Ok! O-k... I promise to be gentle..." Pyrrha stepped back, giving Jaune his space. He shrank from Pyrrha's seemingly intimidating aura.

Pyrrha tried again and held up her hand with Jaune's scarf. She inched towards Jaune's reluctant arm, red scarf in hand first.

During that moment, Pyrrha noticed that Jaune's eyes looked so different than their first meeting in the locker rooms. Instead of being strong and willful, they looked so scared and timid as if they lost all confidence. Not only that, she could have sworn she saw Jaune's hand shaking as it reached out, a common sign of nervousness.

As soon as Jaune's hand felt the red fabric, he quickly pulled it away from Pyrrha's hands and back around the tree. Pyrrha heard a couple of soft shuffles behind the tree as she waited. Her wait paid off as her eyes was met with Jaune with a red scarf around his neck. He had a warm smile as he laid his eyes on Pyrrha. He bowed several times from the waist up as a sign of thanks. Pyrrha had noticed Jaune's eyes formerly with dread were now filled with the same vigor she knew him by from the locker rooms.

"I'm sorry for scaring you, Jaune. It was my mistake. I suppose we're partners then?" Pyrrha inquired Jaune, who gave a slight nod.

"Why did you hide behind the tree? I would have given your scarf back if you just asked." Pyrrha bluntly said.

Jaune merely averted his gaze to the floor with a saddened frown. Pyrrha felt guilty and quickly tries to change the subject.

"Uh, nevermind! How about we get going? The sooner we finish this, the sooner we can spend more time getting to know each other." Pyrrha waved her arms at Jaune and gave her famous grin that earned her on the front of a cereal box.

Jaune perked up with an excited smile. He stepped over and held Pyrrha's hands, jumping up and down in thrilled glee. Pyrrha giggled at the childish gesture.

She remembered Jaune being a bit quiet back in the locker room. Even though she felt conflicted about having a partner who apparently flat out refuses to speak, at least he's willing to 'talk' one way or another. What he's doing at the moment counts as talking, at least in her mind.

It also helps with the fact that Jaune appears to not recognize who she is. This may prove quite beneficial to her. Other people who tried to pair with her mostly wanted Pyrrha for her skills and fame. Having Jaune as a partner may be just the breath of fresh air she needed. Pyrrha noticed her free reign over her hands and Jaune pointing in a direction.

"Right, that's North. Let's get going. We got a relic to find." Pyrrha announced. She took point as Jaune quietly followed behind.


The two walked in silence through the Emerald Forest. They were headed in the right direction, but Pyrrha noticed Jaune looking away from her as they wandered towards the ruins. Pyrrha can't help but feel worried. He was just smiling brightly a moment ago! Does she frighten him? Is he shy? Or was his confidence all an act? Whatever the question was, Pyrrha didn't have an exact answer. As a partner, she's supposed to help and support him and so far she's not doing much. They heard gun shots not long after.

Jaune turned his head in the general direction of the source.

"Gunfire. It seems some of our comrades had encountered the enemy." Pyrrha deduced. "Let's keep moving."

Jaune nodded, keeping an eye out for whatever may be lurking nearby. Unfortunately, his eyes didn't catch the imminent branch headed for his face. Jaune's vison flickered a flash of white before it blurred red. He felt himself wincing on the forest floor, rubbing a sudden sting on his cheek.

"Jaune! I'm sorry! Are you okay?"

Jaune opened his eyes looked up to see Pyrrha reaching down for him with a hand and a caring smile. She was pushing away stray hair from her face with the other. Jaune stared as Pyrrha's hair glistened due to a stray ray of light from an opening on the forest canopy. From Jaune's angle, she resembled somewhat of an angel his mother was fond of telling him about at night. His heart skipped a beat at the sight of her as noted with his agaped expression.

"Jaune?"

Jaune blinked from his shock and scrambled to his feet. He dusted himself off and struck a heroic pose with his hands on his hips. Jaune gave an awkward smile, trying to play it off as fine. Pyrrha raised her brow at him puzzled and lowed her hand, then noticed a small cut on Jaune's cheek.

"Your face is wounded." Pyrrha stepped forward towards Jaune, who relaxed from his pose and pointed at the cut confused. "How is it that your Aura didn't heal it?" She asked.

Jaune raised a brow and cocked his head.

"Jaune, do you... know what Aura is?" Pyrrha said with bewildered eyes.

Jaune reminisced a time during his training with his father...


"Now Jaune. What I am about to tell you is a concept VERY fundamental to hunters everywhere. The innate power of Aura-"

A pot suddenly smashed across Issac's face. Jaune winced his eyes in place as he heard a gong and then a wall crumbling. He slowly opened his eyes and turned see his mother with the scariest expression he had seen on rare occasions, mostly when his dad did or said something too embarrassing. His eyes drifted over to his father firmly implanted to the wall.

"Issac! Jaune is not really for THAT yet!" Jacqueline yelled.

"But honey! Aura is the most crucial weapon a hunter can possess!" Issac pleaded as he pried himself off the wall. "There's only so much time we have before Jaune leaves."

"I know, Issac, but you know what dangers possessing an Aura can inflict. If Jaune's control is unstable, the least that could happen is Jaune ending up in the hospital again, especially since we have months left!" Jacqueline held Jaune close. He looked up to her mother's eyes.

"Don't you worry about Aura, Jaune. Even the most powerful hunters can fight Grimm without Aura. Believe me. Your father is one of those who can." Jacqueline smiled warmly. Jaune looked back at father, stretching away the pain from his wife's recent assault.

"Yeah. But apparently I can't handle a wife..." Issac grumbled, propping on a table.

"What was that dear?"

Jaune felt endless cold conflicting with radiant warmth from his mother. He froze, fearing of what's next.

"Nothing, hon!" Issac instantly straightened his back, trying to ignore the back pain in fear of his wife's dreadful aura.

Say what you will, Jaune's mother is indeed terrifying to even the most strong-willed of men, including her husband and son.


Jaune nodded dejectedly from side to side to Pyrrha's question. Pyrrha smiled immediately.

"Then I'll explain. Listen well now." Pyrrha cleared her throat and Jaune stood intentively.

"Aura is the manifestation of our soul. It bears our burdens and shields our hearts. Have you ever felt you were being watched without knowing that someone was there?" Pyrrha asked. Jaune took the time to ponder, then shook 'no'.

"Really? That's odd. Aura is supposed to protect you even if it's not invoked." Pyrrha said incrediously. "But even so, Aura can be our shield with enough practice. Everyone has it, including animals."

Jaune nodded understandingly.

"It can also be our weapons." Pyrrha continue. "While not actual weapons, per say, they can be through our tools and weapons for they are conduit of the soul."

Jaune stood there in awe with Pyrrha's lecture. If taken into consideration, he can see why Pyrrha had earned so many of her accolades.

"Now, close your eyes and concentrate."

Jaune blinked and realized his partner was awfully too close to him. He backed away with his hands up. Pyrrha was reaching out to his head.

"No no. It's fine. I wouldn't try anything, I promise. Is it about your scarf?" Pyrrha pointed to her neck.

Jaune did a double take, one for Pyrrha and the other for his person. Pyrrha means well, but Jaune hadn't exactly gotten used to the idea of women sans his loving mother. In fact, every attempt of explaining women was sorrowfully unfruitful, even with his father. Sure, he made friends with Ruby, but that's only because she's, again, sort of like a child in a way. Pyrrha is more of his age if Jaune's deductive skills infered anything. Therefore, he's a bit anxious of what Pyrrha was doing. Could it really be related to Aura?

Jaune merely nodded and straightened up, taking a deep breath and closing his eyes.

Pyrrha smiled and propped her hand against Jaune's temple. She closed her own eyes to concentrate, and opened to see her and Jaune cloaked with a faint hue of red and white respectively. Pyrrha's eyes closed once more, with her hand on Jaune's chestplate.

"For it is in passing that we achieve immortality." Pyrrha recited to herself. "Through this, we become a paragon of virtue and glory to rise above all, infinite in distance and unbound by death. I release your soul, and by my shoulder protect thee."

As soon as Pyrrha finished, she hunched over and breathed heavy with her cloak of red disappearing. She blinked in exhaustion until she felt someone's hands. Pyrrha looked up to see Jaune's blemish-free face, worried of her condition. Jaune's white cloak paled away. Pyrrha straightened herself with a fine smile. Jaune kept at his concerned face.

"It's alright. I used my Aura to unlock yours, but the energy that protects you now is your own. I see it had already worked. Your scratch is gone." Pyrrha breathed softly, regaining her breath.

Jaune raised his hand to feel for his recent wound, only to find soft skin. For a moment, he looked surprised, but then shook his head. Jaune pointed at Pyrrha then tapped his temple. Pyrrha didn't really know what to make of it.

"Am I alright?" Pyrrha guessed.

Jaune happily nodded. Pyrrha sighed.

"Yes, Jaune. I'm perfectly fine. I just need to catch my breath that's all." Pyrrha grinned. She placed a hand on Jaune's shoulder. "Thank you for caring."

Jaune gave back an innocent smile, closed eyes and all, unaware of the faint shade of red on his face.

Pyrrha took note of it and giggled. Jaune opened his eyes with a curious gaze, as if asking his partner what's wrong.

"Nothing, Jaune."

Pyrrha lets go of Jaune to regain her bearings on where to go. Jaune stood by waiting. After a few minutes, Pyrrha came to a conclusion.

"Okay, the ruins should be this way. Come along, Jaune." Pyrrha gestured to Jaune with a happy heart. Jaune then had a thought and his face lit up considerably.

As Pyrrha went ahead, Jaune stopped in his tracks and turned his back on Pyrrha. He hunched over and slipped his hand under his scarf, obviously excited.

The tips of his fingers felt a smooth, thin line across his skin.

Jaune's vigor drained and his smile was replaced with a depressed frown. He stood there in silence with his fingers between his scarf and neck. Then, he smiled.

It would have been too good to be true. Jaune just magically talking again? That's nothing short of a miracle. Jaune knew he'll never talk again. And that's something he'll just have to accept. He already has been for the last seven years. What's another decade? It wouldn't change Jaune one bit and he's perfectly fine with that. He'll have to, for the equality of the disabled and, hopefully, the Faunus.

"Jaune? Are you coming?" Pyrrha called to Jaune far behind her. Jaune quickly pulled his hand from his scarf and turned to Pyrrha with a smile and a nod.

"Well, let's get going." Pyrrha sighed with a grin. "We don't have all day now." Pyrrha began walking off again, slowing down to let Jaune catch up.

Jaune jogged up to her. A smile graced his face.


Glynda watched on her scroll as Pyrrha and Jaune wandered through the Emerald Forest. She stood behind Ozpin as he gazed over said forest, cup of coffee in hand.

'Thank goodness. Jaune found Miss Nikos. He's in good hands at the moment.' Glynda mentally sighed. She tapped to show an oriental boy in green alongside a red headed girl in pink.

"Another pair has been formed, sir. Nora Valkyrie and Lie Ren. Poor boy... I can't possibly imagine those two getting along. Pyrrha Nikos had also found a partner. Jaune Arc. His transcripts showed that his combat skills were abysmal, but he's very knowledgeable." Glynda announced to the back of Ozpin's head.

"Mmmm..." Came his reply, as if pondering. "Glynda."

"Yes, Headmaster?" Glynda acknowledged.

"You told me that you know Mister Arc in a way, correct?" Ozpin asked, his gaze of the Emerald Forest unbroken. "On what level?"

Glynda was taken aback at Ozpin's question, but undaunted, she answered.

"I'm his aunt."

"Really? I never knew you had a nephew." Ozpin said surprised, but face unfazed.

"We're not blood related. I'm merely a friend of his family." Glynda corrected him. She stepped forward to his side, finding that Ozpin had yet to turn his head. His expression was utterly blank.

Ozpin took a second to reply.

"I see..." Ozpin accepted. "Well then, since you're his aunt, I suppose you would have no trouble in telling me what he has under his scarf."

'How did he know?!' Glynda's mind leaped. Outside, she kept her refined demeanor.

"Calm yourself, Glynda. I'm headmaster of Beacon for a reason. I have my share of mysteries and I can tell that Mister Arc has one. Now please tell me. What's behind the scarf?" Ozpin firmly inquired.

"He..." Glynda hesitated.

Glynda knew of Jaune's wish of having his scar being a secret to anyone he didn't know. She and Jaune's parents had diligently been upholding his wish since. Now, she's being questioned on it. She has nothing but Jaune's wish to object to Ozpin's question. While Ozpin is a kind hearted soul, Glynda can't help but feel uneasy about his question.

"Of course, you don't have to tell me. If it's that much of a secret that you as his aunt must uphold..." Ozpin relented.

"A scar."

"Glynda?" Ozpin chimed, his eyes now interested.

"A scar." Glynda repeated. Her eyes found a liking to the ground. "Jaune Arc is... a mute."

Glynda looked back up to see Ozpin looking at her with an eyebrow raised.

"He can't talk?" Ozpin calmly claimed, his coffee steamed.

"Yes. That's what being mute is." Glynda confirmed. "It's been years he's had it. Despite of this, Jaune insisted that he comes here. Under the recommendation of his parents, I pulled strings in allowing his admission."

"I see..." Ozpin meekly spoke. He turned back to the scenic sight of the forest.

"Glynda. Are you aware that we cannot choose favorites among the students..? Favoritism can prove to be quite deterent to other hopefuls. You should know this, Glynda." Ozpin took a second to think. "Ruby Rose is another case however. So do not quote me on that."

"Of course, Headmaster." Glynda said firmly, distress stirred around her mind.

"However... there is still the matter of Mister Arc's disability." Ozpin premised. "While Beacon had accepted admission to every Faunus, I can't say the same for the physically impaired. This is an academy for Hunters. Warriors meant to quell the endless numbers of Grimm. Warriors that must be in the upmost shape in combat. People who possess some sort of impairment wouldn't hope to achieve the same level of abilities as an able-bodied student. Don't you understand, Glynda?" Ozpin questioned lightly.

Glynda hesitated. "Yes. I do." She looked away from the ground to the forest canopy, disappointment replaced distress.

"And just how do you think he'll do when Miss Nikos realizes he couldn't talk?" Ozpin pressed on.

"I haven't a clue, but so far she's been able to interpret his signals." Glynda explained. "It could go on for a while if played correctly."

"Hmm..." Ozpin hummed, taking a sip of his coffee. "Alright. I'll allow it."

"Professor?" Glynda turned her head, surprised.

"Jaune Arc is allowed to stay in Beacon. I will try to keep his disability hidden, but if someone were to ask of the scarf, I will answer it forthwith." Ozpin explained. "And you and all other staff must treat him as a normal student here in Beacon, meaning no special treatment, regardless of relations. Do I make myself clear?"

Glynda brightened. "Yes. Of course, Ozpin." Leaving the sensitive topic at that, she'll take what she can get. Jaune can stay in Beacon, that's all that matters.

She pulled up her scroll to check on the students.

"At the student's current rate, they should all reach the temple within just a few minutes." Glynda announced. "Speaking of which, what did you use as relics this year, Professor Ozpin?"

Ozpin didn't say a word as he was busy pondering over the possiblity of having a mute student in his school. While strange, the notion was, it may prove to be nothing too dynamic. Now all he needs now is to figure an effective method of crowd control should people know of Jaune's condition. It shouldn't be too hard, compared to the strained relations between Human and Faunus.

Glynda sighed and looked back at her scroll, taking note of the students' vitals and their current positions from the temple. She turned to walk away from Beacon Cliffs to prepare for the end of initiation.

"I'll take my leave, Professor." Glynda merely said, walking as she did so.

Once again, Ozpin didn't reply. Instead he took a sip from his mug.


Pyrrha and Jaune continued walking North of the Emerald Forest. It was not long until they stumble upon a Cliffside with a dark cave with man made drawings around it.

Jaune and Pyrrha looked to each other, waiting for the other's input.

"Do you think we should keep going?" Pyrrha asked him.

Jaune looked back at the cave and noticed its drawings. They depicted a group of men with weapons fighting a large Grimm. His face tensed when he realized their foreshadowing. Whatever could be in there, it should never be disturbed.

The boy turned his head back to Pyrrha and nodded up and down.

"Alright. Let's keep moving. We're bound to find the temple sooner or later." Pyrrha left it at that and she forged onwards. Jaune followed closely behind.

Then he stops. Jaune did another take at the cave's entrance, his face curious as to what could be in there and fearful as to what may well be far beyond his and even Pyrrha's capabilities.

"Jaune?" Pyrrha called.

Jaune snapped from his thoughts and hurried back to Pyrrha's side, scratching his head awkwardly.

Pyrrha merely sighed and smiled as they continued for the temple.


"How about a cute little pony?"

"Sure."

Jaune heard voices just ahead, as did Pyrrha. They stopped on top of a hill surrounded by trees to see the ruins they were looking for below. The temple had stands with chess pieces gathered in a circle.

Not only that, the pair found the source of the voices, a blond boxer and her companion, a black-haired ninja. (by Jaune's opinion.)

Pyrrha was first to slide down the hill, Jaune second. The two who were at the temple took note of their presence.

"Hello~!" shouted the boxer, sing-songly. Her companion stood nearby, her face impassive, yet bothered enough to give attention.

"Greetings." replied Pyrrha as she jogged up to them. Jaune followed close by, his expression uneasy and a hand tightly gripping his scarf, paranoid within good reason.

"Um... What's with him?" The blond boxer noticed Jaune's afraid expression.

Pyrrha had noticed also. Her eyes flickered with realization and hid Jaune behind her, her arm covering him. Jaune shrank behind Pyrrha. He looked worried.

"Uh... Jaune's very self-conscious about his scarf. He's afraid that you'll take it. Eheh... I had to learn about it the hard way." Pyrrha awkwardly explained. Jaune blinked.

"Is that all? Well, don't you worry one bit, Jaune. I'm a nice person. Right, Blake?" The boxer turned to her partner, now named Blake.

"Yes. I can vouch for Yang. She won't hurt you... Just so long you don't disturb her hair. Not unless you have a death wish." Blake casually warned. Jaune immediately tensed behind Pyrrha, looking more scared than before. Pyrrha gave Blake a annoyed glare.

Yang gave a hoarse cough and elbowed Blake's hip. Blake gave a brief scowl before returning to her calmed demeanor.

"Oh, don't mind her. I really am a nice person!" Yang gave a bright grin to Jaune.

The four grew silent with Jaune staring at Yang, still with her smile. Pyrrha gulped, hoping that her partner would lighten up. Blake only blinked blankly.

Pyrrha felt her back lightened. Jaune walked from her side steadily. He lets go of his scarf and paused. Then he smiled warmly and bowed to his new friends. Pyrrha exhaled in relief.

'That went swimmingly enough.' Pyrrha thought. 'Now we just need the relic and we're home free.'

Yang smiled brightly and strolled up to Jaune. She placed a hand on his shoulder. Jaune looked uneasy at her move, but marked it off as her usual attitude.

"See? Was that so hard? Told you I'm nice." Yang chuckled, giving Jaune a little shake.

Then she harshly pulled him close to her face.

"But seriously. Touch the hair and you're dead meat." Yang threatened coldly, her expression turned intimidating.

Jaune froze in fear and quickly nodded, afraid of what his new friend is capable of.

"Great! Then we have no problems whatsoever!" Yang announced high and mighty as she lets go of Jaune's shoulder and saunters back to Blake. Jaune sighed as if he just lost a few years of his life. He turned to Pyrrha for suggestions and was met with her shrugging with a weak smile.

Jaune turned back and noticed the gold knight piece in the Yang's hand. He tapped Pyrrha's shoulder and pointed to the relics.

"That's right! The relics." Pyrrha grabbed Jaune by the wrist and pulled him over to the temple, past Blake and Yang. Jaune kept his balance as she did.

"You two do that while we figure out where to go next. We're technically done here. All that's left is to get back to the cliffs." Yang stretched while Blake jumped to the top of the temple to get a general direction of where's Beacon Cliffs.

"It should be south of us. That much is certain, but we would have to hike back. There's no doubt we'll encounter multiple Grimm on our way back." Blake reported as she stared at the faint image of Beacon Cliffs far ahead of her.

"Eh. That's nothing! If they're anything like the mince meat we found earlier, then that'll be a piece of cake." Yang grinned savagely. She cracked her knuckles with a sound cackle.

Pyrrha and Jaune stood in the middle of the temple, peering over the choices of chess pieces they can choose from.

"What do you think we should pick?" Pyrrha asked Jaune. Jaune shrugged and kept silent.

Pyrrha sets her eyes on a random piece and grabbed the golden rook piece. She presented it to Jaune.

"How's this?" Pyrrha inquired.

Jaune gave a clean smile and two thumbs up.

"YEEE-HAAAW!" A shrill, radiant voice cried out.

The four turned their attention to a rampaging Grimm coming towards them. They all tensed and were about to prime their weapons until the Grimm stopped dead in its tracks after a pink explosion flickered behind its back.

Then the monster fell forwards, revealing a red headed girl clad in pink.

"Aww... It's broken." The girl expressed in disappointment. The four witnesses sweat dropped.

The girl rolls onto the monster's neck and inspects her handiwork. Soon a boy in green ran to the side of the beast, panting from being out of breath.

"Nora! Please... Don't ever do that again..." Begged the boy, despite his breath.

When he looked up, he noticed that his partner was elsewhere and looked around frantically.

"I'm queen of the castle! I'm queen of the castle!"

The boy directed his attention to the temple where his partner was giving a very eccentric dance with a golden rook piece perfectly balanced on her head.

He also noticed Jaune giving a weak smile and was waving at him. Pyrrha, Yang, and Blake were somewhat bewildered at Nora's behavior.

"Nora!" The boy yelled.

Nora stops her waltz and the rook rolled off her head into her hand.

"Coming, Ren!" Nora sang as she skips off to join him.

"Did that girl just ride in on an Ursa?" Blake was the first to break from the delirium.

"I-..." Yang was about to voice her piece until...

"Heads uuuuuup!"

The four including Ren and Nora who were just joining them looked up to see a distressed Ruby falling from the sky, flailing her arms.

"Ruby!?" Yang cried out.

Jaune's eyes widened as he saw Ruby. He deduced at her current speed, Ruby'll be nothing but fertilizer. Jaune panics as he looked around for something to catch her with. Unfortunately, there wasn't anything. Therefore, he has to improvise, and fast.

As everyone was preoccupied with witnessing Ruby's falling, Jaune quickly grabbed the boy named Ren by the hand.

"Uh, what are you-!?" Ren protested, but then had his other hand held by Jaune's free hand. He saw Jaune staring at him, twitching his chin up.

Ren looked up and his eyes widened in realization.

"Nor-!" "Yes, Ren?" Nora popped behind Ren's shoulder.

"Grab my arms to make a net!" Ren pleaded. "Quickly!"

"Okay~!" Nora happily answered and grabbed Ren's forearms.

Ren turned to Pyrrha, Blake, and Yang. "You guys too!"

"R-right!" Pyrrha replied.

The six of them gathered around and worked their arms around to make a make-shift net.

When that was done, Yang looked up and yelled, "Ruby! Land over here!"

The rest of them looked up to see Ruby leaning towards them and flipping to aim her back downwards.

She landed dead onto the net. The shock from her fall spread out to everyone's arms, but it still worked as Ruby was still intact.

Ruby shuttered and opened one of her eyes to see Yang and Jaune's relieved face. She opened the other and looked around to see people she have never met before smiling in relief.

"Am I dead?" was the first thing that came from her mouth. Yang and Nora gave a slight chuckle. Pyrrha, Blake, and Ren gave a sigh of relief.

Everyone lets go of each other's arms with Ruby touching the ground feet first. She patted off her dress and regained her bearing.

"Ruby, how did you just fall out of the sky?" Yang strictly asked, deciding to break the ice first. Everyone stared at Ruby, waiting for her answer.

"Umm..." Ruby tapped her fingers together with guilt.

"Why did you leave me!?"

"That's how." Ruby confessed, pointing one of her fingers at the sky.

They looked up again to see a massive bird gliding above them, a girl in white was desperately clinging onto the talons of the Grimm. Jaune and Pyrrha recognized who it was, it was Weiss.

"I said 'Jump!'" Ruby shouted at Weiss.

"She's going to fall." Blake decided to add in her thoughts.

"She'll be fine..." Ruby smugly reassured everyone.

"She's falling." Ren retorted dryly, as he and everyone else witness Weiss losing her grip on the giant bird and fell.

Once more, Jaune looked frantically around for a way to catch her. He could try the net again, but they wouldn't be able to catch Weiss in time due to her distance from the group. By the time they do gather under her, Weiss would essentially mince meat unless she can recover herself... And then Jaune saw Weiss's weapon escape from her belt and fell to the ground before Weiss. Jaune pales. Without a weapon, a person couldn't properly channel their aura. Unless Weiss can manifest enough aura with enough focus to cushion her already ridiculous velocity, Jaune doesn't see any way Weiss will survive that fall. Then he had an idea.

Jaune grabbed Pyrrha by the shoulder and pulled her shield from her back.

"Jaune!? What are you-?" Pyrrha protested, but then watches Jaune as he gave Pyrrha her shield back and began using his hands for... something.

Jaune quickly leveled his forearm in front of him and Pyrrha. Then he placed his index and middle fingers on his forearm and jerked both of his arms up. Needless to say, Pyrrha was confused.

"Um... Jaune? I'm afraid I don't..." Pyrrha voiced her confusion and Jaune merely made an irritated face. Then he had Pyrrha wear her shield and kneel. He looked back at Weiss still falling and nodded at how much time he had left. The giant bird that Weiss fell from was starting to circle back around towards them. Everyone else was priming their weapons for a fight. Jaune has to work quickly.

"Jaune?" Pyrrha asked her partner what he's doing. She's been doing what Jaune's motioning her to do so far, but she has no idea what he's thinking. Why isn't he saying anything to let her know about?

Jaune wasted no time in climbing onto Pyrrha's shield, much to her apparent confusion. Jaune was on top of Pyrrha's shield with the warrior herself underside.

"Jaune?! Just what are you doing?" Pyrrha pleaded once more out of confusion. While she had no trouble in holding Jaune up due to his light weight, she still needed an answer out of Jaune. She looked up to see Jaune looking back at her. He had a finger pointed at his chest and then he quickly swung it at Weiss in the sky. Pyrrha finally understood what Jaune was trying to tell her. She quickly rearranged her body under her shield and gathered all of her strength. Jaune primed his legs and looked directly at Weiss high above.

"Alright, Jaune! Here goes nothing!" Pyrrha announced. And in an instance, she quickly jumped as hard as she could, pushing her shield upwards and as a result, Jaune.

Jaune went flying. Pyrrha must have had quite the body strength to launch him this fast! But now was not the time for distractions! Jaune leaned his trajectory towards Weiss, who immediately noticed him and without warning was tackled by him.

"How rude-!" Weiss protested, but was cut off by Jaune when he braced her under his arms. Jaune winced his eyes as he felt himself falling with Weiss in tow. He was hoping with all he could that his aura would be enough to cushion the inevitable impact for the both of them.

Pyrrha regained her footing as she and everyone else watched Jaune and Weiss falling. The Grimm Weiss fell from was now headed straight for them. Without hesitation, Pyrrha pulled out her carbine, Milos, and immediately started unloading on the Grimm.

"Everyone! Focus fire on the Nevermore! Don't let it reach them!" Pyrrha shouted to everyone behind her over her rifle fire.

"Right!" Ruby instantly agreed and aimed her Crescent Rose at the giant bird. Everyone else joined just as fast. Ren and Nora fired their pistols and grenade launcher respectively. Yang and Blake were on top of the temple to gain a better vantage point to fire from.

The Nevermore noticed that it was fired at with bullets and grenades. It veered away from Jaune and Weiss to head towards the group at the temple.

Jaune felt a sudden thud from his back and his body felt numb. He knew he had made contact to the ground and held Weiss tighter as a result. Weiss couldn't protest as she felt the jolt also. Jaune experienced himself sliding across the ground, slowing down as his bones and skin ached and bruised. He wouldn't have standed the pain if it weren't for the warm feeling he was getting. It must be his aura doing its healing work. It was a while until Jaune was at a complete stop.

Jaune was just silent in pain as he released Weiss from his arms, who promptly leaped out of his arms and stood up over him. She had half a mind in telling Jaune off for tackling her, but then she realized that it would be in bad taste. After all, he did save her from what could have been months in the hospital. Weiss looked back to see everyone preoccupied in firing at the Nevermore while dodging large feathers. She looked back at Jaune, still writhing in agony.

"Thank you." Weiss calmly said over the Nevermore's screeching and everyone's gun fire. Jaune still held himself in suffering.

"Not that you've actually heard me of course." Weiss rolled her eyes. She looked around the ground and found her rapier, Myrtenaster. She holstered it and looked back at Jaune. Weiss can't help but feel responsible for the amount of pain Jaune must be in right now. After much consideration, she sighed and kneeled over and pulled Jaune's arm over her shoulder.

"Come on. Get up, you child." Weiss huffed as she stood up with Jaune. Jaune stumbled and shooked his head. He turned to see who was helping him and was surprised to see that it was Weiss.

"Ah! Don't you say a word. And don't think that I forgive you for what happened in the locker room. You may have made a fool out of me, but I suppose I owe you for saving my life." Weiss looked away from Jaune as they walked slowly to a nearby tree. Weiss settled him down under a suitable branch as acover. Weiss turned away to prep Myrtenaster.

Jaune was speechless... as if that meant more than it had to. He merely gave Weiss a smile. Weiss peeked and was caught off guard by it. She gave a stern cough and Jaune took that as an acknowledgement. He looked up to the group at the temple shooting at the Nevermore. The situation wasn't looking good as everyone was constantly being bombarded by giant feathers. Jaune then tries to think of a way to end this battle quickly.

He looked at Ruby's giant scythe. Then to Nora's grenade launcher. Then to Ren, Blake, and Pyrrha's precision based guns. Jaune's mind clicked.

Jaune clapped his hands to get Weiss's attention. She turned.

"What is it?" She asked stubbornly.

Jaune immediately made work of his hands. He fashioned a gun out of his hand and aimed for his head then at the Nevermore. Weiss was confused at first.

"What? This is no time for charades!" Weiss objected. Jaune quickly waved his hands in front of her. Weiss huffed and decided to humor him a bit longer.

Jaune then made both his hands into a bird and took one hand and *plunged* it into *ground*. Weiss looked at this with somewhat confusement.

Jaune pointed his free finger at Nora and made his free hand into a fist and *pounded* the hand on the *ground*.

"And!? What else!?" Weiss had enough of Jaune's games. Doesn't he know that their partners are in danger!?

Jaune then pointed at Ruby, who just dodged a feather and hid behind a piller, and *chopped* his neck with his hand. Weiss's eyes widened, then she turned towards everyone at the temple, made her own hand gestures with Myrtenaster, and *skated* away. Jaune sighed with relief. He hoped Weiss understood what he was getting at.

It was not long until Jaune saw everyone focus fire at the Nevermore, but this time, they looked like they were aiming specifically for the head. Their mark was true as the Nevermore slowed down its speed in a daze. The Grimm's reduced speed earned it a descent into the ground far below. Everyone moved out of the way as it collided into the temple. Blake and Yang jumped off just in time, shooting off a couple more shots at it while they're at it.

Weiss then quickly made another set of gestures and stabbed her rapier to the ground. A wave of ice rapidly made its way around the Nevermore, essentially trapping its feathers, rendering it immobile.

Jaune watched as the girl named Nora leaped off Ren's hands, twirled in the air, and smashed her hammer-shifted grenade launcher into the Nevermore's armored head. She jumped off and landed gracefully a good distance away.

The Nevermore twitched its head, trying its best in regaining its bearing. It twisted its head to look upwards. It gave a high pitched screech when it sees a girl in red falling towards it, a massive scythe in hand.

The girl flipped in midair, moving her scythe along with her. She brought her scythe down on the neck of the trapped Nevermore below.

Its screeches were cut off as everything the Grimm's eyes saw blacked out.


"Russel Thrush. Cardin Winchester. Dove Bronzewing. Sky Lark. The four of you retrieved the black bishop pieces. From this day forward, you will work together as Team CRDL, led by... Cardin Winchester!"

Ozpin announced to everyone in the audience.

Initiation had ended and Ozpin was just annoucing the teams for the freshmen. The audience gave a loud applause.

"Jaune Arc. Lie Ren. Pyrrha Nikos. Nora Valkyrie. The four of you retrieved the white rook pieces. From this day forward, you will work together as Team Juniper." Ozpin continued.

The four aforementioned stood in a line, obviously proud of their achievement.

"Led by... Pyrrha Nikos!" Ozpin announced. The amphitheater echoed with applause.

"M-me?" Pyrrha lit up in surprise, a smile graced her face. Suddenly, she was hugged tightly by the side. It was Jaune and he had a proud grin for his partner.

Pyrrha looked over to Ren and Nora, who had their own heartwarming smiles. Nora went further and gave two thumbs up with her wide grin. She then looked over to Ruby, Weiss, Blake, and Yang, who were the next team to be announced. Ruby clapped ecstatically. Weiss and Blake calmly clapped their hands. All Yang did was give Pyrrha a smug smile along with moving her eyebrows up and down. Pyrrha immediately knew what Yang was getting at and did her best to hide a shade of red. She looked back down on Jaune and patted him on the head.

"Alright Jaune. That's enough." Pyrrha awkwardly said. Jaune looked up and lets go, flashing another proud smile for his partner and leader.

"And finally, Blake Belladonna. Ruby Rose. Weiss Schnee. Yang Xiao Long." Ozpin motioned to them.

"The four of you retrieved the white knight pieces. From this day forward, you will work together as Team RWBY. Led by... Ruby Rose!" He announced and was met with outstanding ovation.

"I'm so proud of you!" Yang hugged Ruby proudly. Blake and Weiss sighed and continued smiling. Team Juniper stood nearby clapping for their new friends.

"It looks like things are shaping up to be an... interesting year." Ozpin mused over the crowds cheers.

Little did anyone know, it's exactly what he'll be expecting.


Author's note: Yes, I just French Revolutionalized a Nevermore. Jaune's French, I had too!

So apparently I felt like making another chapter of this. Give thanks to everyone who have ever reviewed. You have them to thank for this chapter. Although, I don't know if I could actually keep going. It took me a while to type this, but I still did. I guess I'm making this a multi-chapter story, but there's no telling when I'm going to update. Sorry about that, guys. Still, you have this chapter to enjoy!

I would also like to thank my two editors: shadowfox68 and DarkZexi. You guys are the best!

Also, RWBY Volume 2. Bloody brilliant! I'm very excited for what's coming up! That is all.

If you have any questions that were unresolved or made by this chapter, feel free to PM me. I'll try my best to explain it and incorporate it into this chapter as best as possible.

Until then, this is destinyTail0 signing off!