Sup guys? Welcome to another chapter of Whatever the Cost. First off, I'd like to apologize for taking so long with the chapter. Time hasn't been my friend. Plus, military has been tiring lately. But, none of that. We had a decent amount of reviews and I'd like to answer them.

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Kerlongsj Evert Orlejov: Yo man. Been a while, huh? Glad that you like the story so far, and of course Broken Beyond Repair. Which I haven't updated in two years now. Being too rough is kinda what'll make this story work. It's how BBR works, and it's how I want this story to work. Also, I checked about Weiss, thanking Jaune, but I didn't find anything. But, glad that you like what I've been writing so far. I'm sure you'll enjoy whatever else I'm cooking up.

Guest: Maybe I am taking this a bit too far, but to me this is a what-if scenario. This story is about putting Jaune in a situation that could bring Pyrrha back, and he'll be doing whatever it takes to bring her back. So, sorry to say, but I ain't deleting this story anytime soon.

Stratos263: Glad you like the start. Well, you'll have to wait and see.

Nighty: Glad you think so.

Patriot-112: Could be empty, or it could be the truth. Well, maybe not this chapter, but it'll come.

Guest: I could let Pyrrha stay dead. We'll have to see.

MashupMan2100: Huh, not a lot of people that are fans of the Star Wars prequels. And about your questions, 1) She will at some point. 2) They will make an agreement, but you'll see once you read the chapter. 3) Maybe she will. But, let me say that Jaune does hold a bit of resentment on Ozpin.

Steelrain66: Glad to see that you like the story and that you'll be sticking around.

Pharos666: Well, we'll have to see about Pyrrha, won't we? And with the different Jaune routes that I can take, it does make it all the more interesting. About capitalizing the I's, I was typing on my phone, so it didn't automatically capitalize them. Now that I'm typing on the PC, it seems to be doing the job.

Ouroborosdragon: Glad you find the story interesting. I haven't seen Arrow, so I wouldn't know how to base it off Slade Wilson. I also don't know about the Hallucination part, but I'll think about it. Pyrrha, like I said, we'll see. She could come back, or she couldn't. You'll have to wait and see. I'll make sure though that I can keep drawing you in with my story.

And that is all the reviews for this chapter. Now, let's start with the next one, shall we?

Chapter 2: The Witch's promise.

"The Relic of Creation?" Jaune asked, raising a brow.

"Yes. The Relic that is hidden within the Academy in Atlas. The only problem that we have, is that the dear General has closed off the borders. But, I am sure that Qrow can find a way to get you inside." Salem said, the Seer Grimm giving a few more clicks.

"We? I don't remember agreeing into anything that you've said. What you've been saying so far sounds more like a speculation rather than the truth." Jaune said, crossing his arms and glaring at the Grimm.

Salem let out a low chuckle.

"To your young, inexperienced eyes that may be the case. But, I assure you Arc, that what I say is no speculation. I have been alive for centuries. I have seen it all happen before." Salem said.

"And what, you think I'm just gonna take your word for it? Blindly decide to follow whatever you say to me without proof? I'm not an idiot, Salem." Jaune growled out the words, his hand going back to grab the hilt of Crocea Mors.

Salem stayed quiet for a small while, a sigh being heard soon after.

"Very well then. It seems I cannot convince you. Seems like you do not want to see your loved one ever again. Such a shame." Salem said, the Seer Grimm turning around and levitating towards the stairs.

Jaune's eyes widened as he saw the Grimm levitate away. For him, time seemed to slow down. He felt like this was the only chance he had of bringing Pyrrha back. And he was letting it slip from his hands. He clenched his teeth, struggling to make a decision. On one hand, there was the chance he could see Pyrrha again. Big chance or small, he didn't know. And that was one of his problems. If he agreed though, then it would mean doing Salem's bidding. And from what he's heard from Ozpin, it didn't sound very good.

With eyes closed tight and trembling hands, Jaune Arc finally made his decision.

"Wait!"

The Grimm stopped in its tracks. Slowly, it turned around and levitated back to where it was before.

They stared at each other for what seemed to be an eternity, the only sound in the room being Jaune's heavy breathing and the Grimm's occasional clicks.

"I'll… I'll do it. I'll listen to what you have to say. But, on one condition. Leave my friends out of this. Don't send anyone after them. You can do whatever you want with me. Just… leave them alone… Please." Jaune said, his voice trembling with regret at what he was doing.

Salem laughed loudly, causing Jaune to flinch and tremble a bit. His hands clenched into fists, as he thought he made one of the biggest mistakes in his life.

"Foolish boy. Ozpin clearly hasn't explained to you who I am. Let's make one thing clear, Arc. I am the one who gives the orders. I am the one who names the conditions. If I tell you to go in and out clean, you do it. If I tell you to cover yourself with their blood, you do it. Do I make myself clear, boy?" Salem seethed, the Seer's tentacles extending so that each sharp end was pointing at Jaune.

Jaune could only swallow, his heart beating faster that he could think. He has betrayed his friends. Their trust.

"Alright. I'm not going to give the orders or conditions. You are." Jaune repeated as he fists shook.

"Good. Now, you're orders, are to bring the two relics to me. But, you're also going to pretend. You'll act as like we are not working together. Just like Leonardo. Do I make myself clear?" Salem said.

"Yes… Ma'am." Jaune said, the words leaving a disgusting taste in his mouth.

"Very well then. I will be taking my leave then. Make sure that you follow my orders, but most importantly… Do not get caught. I will be keeping in touch with you, Arc." Salem said as the Seer Grimm made its way up the stairs and disappeared into the darkness.

Just as Salem disappeared, Jaune's legs finally gave out. He let out shaky breaths, as tears rolled down his face.

What the hell has he done?

You're a damn coward Jaune Arc. A failure of a leader. Saving your own worthless skin whilst dooming your friends to Salem's claws.

He was a failure of a leader. Not only that, he was ratting out his friends to Salem. Their damn enemy.

It's okay. Everything will be okay. You'll see Pyrrha again. You'll get to hold her again. Pick where you both tragically left off. Just hope… that you're doing the right thing. And that Salem isn't lying to you.

That was the worst part. He believed every word she said to him.

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Jaune's eyes slowly opened as the light pierced through his window. He groaned and slowly sat up, rubbing his eyes. He realized that he was still wearing his armor, his sword strapped to his hip as well. How tired was he last night?

Then it dawned to him. It wasn't because he was tired. It was because he made a deal with the devil last night. He remembered. The guilt hit him once more at what he was doing.

Pyrrha would be so disappointed in me…

He shook his head. After all, she would do the same for him.

Right?

There was a knock on his door, causing him to jump slightly.

"Who is it?" Jaune called out, his voice raspy as he had just now woken up.

"Morning Jauney! You coming down for breakfast? Ren made pancakes! With syrup!" Nora said behind the door.

"Yea, I'll be down in a few. Just let me get dressed." He said back with a smile, even though she couldn't see.

"Alrighty! Don't take too long Fearless Leader!" She said back. He heard her walk away and sighed.

Fearless Leader? More like a Cowardly Leader…

He stood up from the bed and took off his armor. He unstrapped the sword from his hip and set onto the bed. He quickly stripped out of his clothes and wore another long jean and a plain shirt.

He walked out his room and turned to the right to where the stairs where.

"Morning Jaune!" A female high pitched voice called out from behind him. He turned and saw Ruby, still in her pajamas.

"Morning Ruby? How are you?" He asked with a small smile.

"Eh, I'm doing good, considering that after our little talk, I couldn't sleep that well!" She said, giving him a glare that he couldn't help but rub the back of his head to.

"Ah yea, about that… I'm sorry about the way I acted. It's just that… I'm a little on edge. Ya know, with all that's happening it's kinda hard not to be." Jaune said with a sigh, speaking both truth but lying as well.

After all, it wasn't the only this bothering him.

"Well, yea I kinda did realize that. But, it's not the only thing that's bothering you, is it?" Ruby asked rhetorically.

Jaune cursed inwardly. She knew him so well. Lying to her would be more difficult than he thought.

He still couldn't believe he was actually doing this.

"Yea… there is something else that's bothering me. But it's not something I want to talk about yet." He said, hoping that she'd drop the subject.

"Jaune… if this is about Pyrrha, I want you to know that… well, I kinda know about the video you have of her on your scroll." Ruby said slowly, looking nervous.

Jaune's eyes widened slightly in surprise. He didn't think that she, or anyone else for that matter, would find out. He was really district about it as well.

But, since she brought it up, he decided to go along with it.

"How… When did you find out? How long have you known?" Jaune asked, taking a few steps towards her.

"Well… I've known for a while. Like, ever since we left that one village where we helped deal with a Geist. I woke up after a nightmare and walked in the forest for a bit, since I found your bedroll empty. I heard Pyrrha's voice and found you training. I… didn't know what to say at the time so I left. It felt wrong to leave you there… to suffer by yourself." She said her eyes sad as she refused to meet his eyes.

Jaune stared at her, taking a few more steps towards her, getting close to an arm's reach from her. He reached and patted her head with his hand. She looked up at him in surprise, not expecting this gesture.

"Ruby… It's alright. I'm not mad, or disappointed at you. In fact, I'm a bit relieved. If there was anyone that I'd want to know about the video, it'd be you. But, I'm sorry to say that you can't help me. No one can. Pyrrha… she was my light. A light that's been extinguished. No matter how hard I try… I won't be able to get over her death." Jaune said, a depressed and tired smile on his lips.

"But… Jaune, you can't give up." Ruby said, she was about to continue, but Jaune cut her off.

"I'm sorry Ruby… But I can. And I have."

Jaune turned around and walked towards the stairs, not bothering to see the distraught look Ruby was giving him.

I'm sorry, Ruby. I've tried to get over it. But, I couldn't. Regret can consume a guy so deeply, that it'll blacken his heart and swallow his soul. My regret… is not stopping her.

And that's chapter two of Whatever the Cost. Took a while for me to release it, but I think it was worth the wait. Tell me what you guys think by leaving a review. So, until next time, don't go changing.