An Arc to the Past
Welcome to the Second Chapter! Enjoy!
Chapter 2: Sharing the Secret
Jaune sat in the chair in front of Ozpin's desk with Ozpin sitting behind his desk and Glynda standing next to him.
"And so, I died in the fire with my family's home collapsing on top of my corpse and then I woke up here in this body with my adult clothes, weapons and everything else on me that my aura covered before I kicked the bucket." Jaune finished explaining.
Glynda looked to be extremely shocked as expected, but Ozpin still had a calm straight face, although you could tell from his eyes that he was having a hard time taking in the new information.
"This has to be a joke." Glynda said.
"If it was I wouldn't be here in this stupid weak body." Jaune said as he glared at his body.
"How are we supposed to believe you?" Glynda shot back.
"How about some info that I shouldn't know about? Ironwood has cybernetics, Penny is a synthetic humanoid who has the ability to use aura, Blake is a cat faunus, Summer Rose is the mother of Ruby and vanished under mysterious circumstances on a mission, Salem is the mother of all Grimm and the original Winter Maiden, and Amber the Fall Maiden is in a comatose state down in the vault and you guys plan on merging her soul with Pyrrha." Jaune said as he glared at the two professors.
Glynda's mouth was agape while her eyes were wide while Ozpin remained calm.
"I believe him." Ozpin said. "So the world meets its end at the hands of a group called the Black Arms. Here I thought Salem would be the greatest threat to Remnant." Ozpin said.
"Oh, and I almost forgot. I know of the Silver Eyes." Jaune said.
"That should go without saying. After all you are married to the last known wielder." Ozpin said.
"Was." Jaune said with sad eyes.
"Jaune, you do realize that because of your travel, you've changed things just by coming here."
"Oh I know."
"For all we know, you might not marry Ruby and your kids will be a faded memory." Ozpin said. Jaune didn't take that lightly.
"Watch your mouth four eyes!" Jaune shouted as he stood up from the chair with anger written all over his face.
"Jaune! Don't ever talk to the headmaster that way!" Glynda shouted with a disapproving glare.
"Calm yourself Glynda. The wounds of the past, or of another, are still fresh. No one can blame Jaune." Ozpin said. Glynda still didn't like what Jaune did, but she guess she could understand.
"How old?" Glynda couldn't help, but ask.
"Angel, my little angel, was six. Eon, the little knight, was four. Summer… my princess… she was just a few months." Jaune said with a hurt voice as he shed tears. Glynda's eyes were wide. Now she could understand. Jaune lost his kids before their lives could actually really start. "Ozzy. I need help. One man can't stop a war, even before it begins." Jaune said. Ozpin chuckled.
"I've never been called Ozzy before. I'll help in any way, but I do have problems now as you know." Ozpin said.
"Three people. Mercury. Emerald. Cinder Fall. They'll be here posing as students from Haven. Mercury likes to kick and has gun boots, and dark grey colored hair. Emerald is a dark skinned young woman with emerald hair, red eyes and her semblance is illusions. She was a real pain in the ass. Made Yang look like a merciless fighter and tricked Pyrrha into tearing Penny apart. Cinder… good looking woman with dark hair and amber eyes. She already has half of Amber's power. She plans on an invasion in the upcoming Vytal tournament. She already has Roman Torchwick and the White Fang on her side." Jaune explained.
"Why are you explaining this so soon?" Glynda asked.
"Because I want to get rid of Cinder as soon as possible. She's nothing compared to Vlad." Jaune said.
"That bad, huh?"
"The man took out the whole Atlas Kingdom on his own. After he killed Ironwood, everyone lost the will to fight and became Grimm food." Jaune said shocking Glynda.
"And yet you were able to defeat him." Ozpin said.
"It was a hollow victory. I was the last man on Earth. The alternative would have been a cloned world ruled by the Black Arms, or Vlad in that point. No way had I wanted a world like that to exist." Jaune said.
"Understandable. So this C you have with you. Has he explained to you what exactly he is?" Ozpin asked.
"Believe it or not, I was once human. Some events… led to myself earning new abilities at the process of becoming this." C explained.
"Who were you before?" Ozpin asked.
"Yeah, who were you C?" Jaune asked.
"I was the man sitting in front of you." C said. The other three were shocked by C's answer.
"Wait, wha… Ozpin!?" Jaune exclaimed as he grabbed a hold of C or Ozpin in this case. "But, how? I mean I saw you-"
"That was then Jaune. Now we are in a different timeline." C Ozpin said.
"Uh… I… wha…" Glynda couldn't even form a full sentence anymore.
"Well, I have had my share of strange experiences before, but this sure does take the cake." Ozpin said.
"Um… I need to lay down." Jaune said as he stood from his seat. "Oh, one more thing. Qrow needs to know." Jaune said. Both professors actually were surprised by this notion.
"Why is that?" Glynda asked.
"He was my teacher. In the other timeline that is. I at least need him to know. Plus I have this alibi that I met someone that made me the badass I am right now. Qrow being that guy will both make that statement believable and it's technically true as well." Jaune explained.
"Alright then. I'll inform him to come over." Ozpin said.
"Thanks." Jaune said as he started heading for the door.
"Jaune." Jaune turned back. "The knowledge you have, you must be careful. In choosing to change an event will be a great risk. It can lead to different outcome that could lead to a grand consequence in the future." Ozpin said.
"I figured." Jaune said as he thought about what could happen now that he's changing the future. "Talk to you later Ozpin, Glynda." Jaune made his way to the elevator and pressed the down button. "Oh, wait. There is something that's been bugging me." Jaune said as he turned back towards the two. "Did you both… know about my, um… transcripts being… fake?" Jaune asked. He was rewarded with silence. "A silent Ozpin and look from Glynda means yes." Jaune said as the elevator doors opened. "Well then, good night, see you in the morning and ciao." Jaune said as he stepped inside and the doors closed.
"Well… safe to say I never expected this from him." Ozpin said. He then noticed the look Glynda had as she looked to the floor. "Something on your mind?"
"It's just… I never expected that to be your fate." Glynda said with sad eyes.
"For all we know it might not be the same in this timeline." Ozpin said.
"It's still hard to believe." Glynda said.
"I agree."
!
Jaune made his way back to his dorm, but his mind was plagued with thoughts.
He hadn't thought about it before, but now that he brought it up to Ozpin, what was he going to do when the Vytal tournament came. Cinder was out there preparing for war. Jaune knew of the events that were to come. What will he do when he sees Cinder? Will he attack her on sight? Kind of an impossibility without his semblance.
Either way, Jaune's main focus was on the Black Arms.
He had to defeat them, no matter what the cost. For the family he lost.
Jaune then slowed down to a stop as he thought about his family. Tears were shed. Jaune groaned as he punched a wall beside him. Jaune stayed silent for a moment, but then he walked towards a place he remembered he hanged out at back in his first time at Beacon, unaware that he was being watched.
Jaune made it out onto the balcony that he and Pyrrha hanged out on. He stood near the edge of the balcony as he stared ahead.
"Jaune."
'Well I'll be damned.' Jaune thought as he turned to see Pyrrha. "Hey."
"Hello." The two remained silent for the time being. "I… saw you having a hard time in the halls." Jaune chuckled a bit with a grin.
"Something to admire about you Pyrrha. You always put people you love before anything else, including yourself." Jaune said with a grin as he turned back towards the edge, missing the red blush on Pyrrha's cheeks from the phrase people you love. Pyrrha made her way over towards Jaune's side.
"So how long have you been searching for me?" Jaune asked with a smirk.
"What? I, no, I wasn't, um…" Pyrrha could only stare ahead as she blushed red. "What is wrong?" Pyrrha asked, changing the subject.
"Nothing much." Jaune said.
"Leaving a nasty scar on a wall isn't what I call nothing." Pyrrha said.
"Oh… you saw that." Jaune said.
"Mm hm."
"I was just… pissed about something… personal." Jaune said.
"What?" Pyrrha asked.
"Don't worry about it." Jaune brushed it off.
"Jaune, I'm your friend. If there is anything you need to talk about I'm here." Pyrrha said as she grabbed a hold of Jaune's arm. Jaune looked to her. Great. Now he had to come up with something to tell her. Luckily he had the perfect alibi thanks to his previous life.
"Could I borrow Milo for second?" Jaune asked surprising Pyrrha.
"Uh, sure." Pyrrha said as she handed Milo over to Jaune. Jaune then extended Milo into spear mode, flipped it to its flat side, walked over closer to the cliff then whacked it down over the edge, smacking someone who went 'ow'.
"Quit spying!" Jaune shouted as then the closing of a window followed. Jaune turned back towards a surprised Pyrrha. "Cardin."
"Ah." Pyrrha said as she took back Milo.
"Anyway… the truth is… I never made it here to Beacon on a legitimate basis." Jaune confessed.
"What do you mean?" Pyrrha asked.
"I… used fake transcripts." Jaune said getting a gasp from Pyrrha. "It's been driving me crazy since I got here. I felt unworthy. I wanted to come to Beacon so bad just so I can be a hero." Jaune said.
"But Jaune, you are a hero. You're improving immensely." Pyrrha said.
"That's the thing. I had gotten help from someone, but… I don't feel I deserve his training." Jaune said.
"Jaune, from what I've seen you have benefited from his teachings. Even if you made it here under unorthodox circumstances, you still matured through the experience, taking what you've learned and making it your own. That proves that no matter the method taken, you deserve to be here with us, your friends." Pyrrha said as she placed a hand on Jaune's cheek.
Jaune's eyes became teary as he remembered how Pyrrha had always been there for him. And now she's right here, still comforting him. Still by his side. He was grateful.
"I missed you." Jaune said, letting it slip. Pyrrha blushed red but she smiled as she looked down to the side.
"Jaune, we haven't been apart that long." Pyrrha said with an embarrassed smile.
"R-right." Jaune said as he rubbed the back of his head. "Hey, how about a spar?" Jaune asked.
"A spar?" Pyrrha questioned with a raised eyebrow, surprised by the sudden offer.
"Yeah. I got Excalibur here and I want to see if I'm any good at using it." Jaune said, gesturing to his weapon in shotgun form that he took from the back of his harness.
"Are you even sure you can wield it?" Pyrrha questioned with a smirk and her arms crossed. Jaune changed Excalibur into sword mode.
"I got enough aura." Jaune said with a smirk. The two got in position, getting in their stances as they stood across from each other.
They narrowed their eyes at one another, and from the sound of an imaginary ref, they charged forward and clashed blades, with Pyrrha actually skidding back from the force. Pyrrha was shocked at the strength and force behind Jaune and his weapon. Jaune didn't allow her time to make a move. He pushed Milo away and sent a downward slash that Pyrrha managed to block it with Akouo, but the force actually caused the ground beneath her to crack.
Using her semblance, Pyrrha made Excalibur slide off Akouo, but Jaune immediately transformed it into shotgun mode and shot at Pyrrha. Pyrrha continued to use Akouo to block the shots, but the rounds were so powerful that she was skidding back bit by bit.
Pyrrha immediately transformed Milo into its javelin mode and threw it. Jaune transformed Excalibur back to sword mode, parrying the javelin, sending it flying, then dashed forward, readying a swing. Pyrrha used her semblance to bring Milo back, while using Akouo to block the sword strike, but Jaune instead flipped over Jaune with Excalibur going shotgun and shooting down at Pyrrha who quickly blocked it with Akouo. Jaune landed behind Pyrrha, transformed Excalibur back to sword and sent a spinning slash. Pyrrha fortunately got back Milo and blocked Excalibur, but she was sent flying back.
Pyrrha tried to gain back her footing, and when she did, she was forced to block more strikes with Milo and Akouo, but the swings were so powerful that they were being sent away. Pyrrha was then left open. She figured Jaune would slash at her, giving her a good opportunity to use her semblance, but he instead kicked her in the torso as he switched to gun mode and shot her, sending her flying back. Pyrrha rolled onto the ground and when she got on one knee, Jaune was already over her with Excalibur ready to come down on her, but she used her semblance to send Jaune flying back.
Jaune rolled back, but he skidded to a stop, then charged forward with the tip of Excalibur trailing against the ground, causing sparks to follow. Pyrrha transformed Milo into rifle mode and shot at Jaune, but the blonde parried all the bullets with Excalibur. Transferring aura to his legs, Jaune leaped towards Pyrrha so now he was in front of her. Excalibur was coming for a horizontal slash across Pyrrha's torso, but Pyrrha jumped back and used her semblance to push it away a bit, but Jaune smirked as changed Excalibur into shotgun mode in mid swing, shocking Pyrrha as he then took the shot, sending her flying.
Pyrrha rolled onto the ground and stopped as she lied on the floor, front first. Pyrrha groaned as she tried getting up, but then she felt the tip of a blade at her neck. Pyrrha looked up to see Jaune looking at her with a smirk. Pyrrha quickly examined her scroll to see she had lost about half her aura. Pyrrha sighed as she put away her scroll.
"I yield." Pyrrha said shocking Jaune. Jaune retracted Excalibur's blade as he then put it on his harness. Jaune offered a hand to Pyrrha making her smile as she took it. "That's a very powerful weapon." Pyrrha said as Jaune helped her up.
"Reebok's best work." Jaune said with a smirk.
"I'll say. Two shots and I still feel the vibrations." Pyrrha said with a smile. "By the way, I noticed those extra pieces on your back."
"Oh these?" Jaune grabbed one of the add ons. "They're just add ons that Reebok gave me a while ago." Jaune said.
"Add ons?"
"They're extra pieces that I can add to Excalibur's shotgun mode. Consider them mods in a way. Each are powered on an element produced by dust. I can change this thing into a rifle with them that shoots each element, or my favorite, into a spreader that shoots electricity. Reebok said he is now working on one that'll allow me to shot plasma at my foes." Jaune explained.
"That's amazing." Pyrrha said with shock and awe clearly in her tone and written on her face. "But… why didn't you use them?" Pyrrha asked.
"I wanted this spar to be on equal grounds. Just our weapons as they are, nothing else. Plus I didn't want to first test them on a friend as great as you." Jaune said.
"Oh. I see." Pyrrha said with a blush.
"Well… we better get back before Nora runs through the school to find us." Jaune said as he headed for the door.
"Jaune wait." Pyrrha spoked. Jaune stopped and turned back to his partner. Pyrrha then walked up to him and kissed him on the cheek, surprising him.
"A promise is a promise." Pyrrha said with a smile and blush. Jaune blinked but then smiled at her.
Suddenly the door slammed open making them turn to see Nora.
"There you guys are! I've been looking everywhere for you! Dinner's ready, so hurry up!" Nora shouted as she then speeded back to their dorm.
"When she said looking everywhere, I wonder if she meant it literally." Jaune said making Pyrrha giggle.
"Come on. Let's go enjoy our meal." Pyrrha said as she headed for the door. Jaune just shrugged with a smile as he followed. No doubt today was a pretty exciting day.
!
The next day, in the morning Jaune was doing pushups while the others were still asleep. He woke up early to do some basic exercises to build up his body. Although not only was it difficult, it was also annoying. It's all because of his body. Sure he bitched about it a lot, but could you blame him. After years of being put through harsh training from veteran huntsman and huntresses, his body really bulked up, but now he's got to start from the ground up again, and it was obvious he wasn't the athlete type, despite possessing his family's prized weaponary.
Suddenly the alarm rang. Jaune saw Nora burst out of bed, and hopped on Ren's bed, then Pyrrha's, then Jaune's.
"Wake up! Wake u- oh, you're awake." Nora said looking down to see Jaune doing pushups.
"Yep." Jaune said.
"Wow. You're really dedicated to this workout." Nora said with a grin.
"Yep."
"You know you should do the same thing Ren. One day you might turn out to be the weakest if Jaune keeps this up." Nora said.
"Low blow." Jaune said as Ren sighed.
"Yep." Jaune said. Pyrrha stared at Jaune, happy see his progress, but she also blushed a bit as she saw his sweating body. For some reason, nowadays Jaune was just sleeping without a shirt and just seeing his body made her blush red at the sight. Pyrrha then sensed someone near her making her turn her head, only to flinch to see Nora's grinning face.
"Enjoying the show?" Nora teased making Pyrrha turn away.
"Well, I'm off to take a shower." Ren said as he walked away.
"Then I'll start making breakfast." Jaune said as he stood up from the floor and heading for the kitchen.
"I'll join in later." Ren said as he and Jaune left the bedroom.
"They seem to be getting a bit closer now." Pyrrha said.
"Yeah~. I never thought those two would have more than one conversation with one another." Nora said. "I kind of like it." Nora said with a grin with Pyrrha nodding in agreement.
!
Later on in combat class, teams RWBY and JNPR were talking, ignoring the battles in play.
"You should really try Jaune's cooking! His steak and eggs are delicious." Nora said.
"Since when could you cook Vomit boy?" Yang asked with a grin.
"When you live with seven sisters and a bit of an overprotective mother, you tend to learn a few things." Jaune said.
"Seven sisters? Are you the only boy?" Ruby asked.
"Yep." Jaune said.
"And you stunk at talking to girls before because?" Yang asked with a smirk.
"None of them wanted me to succeed and become a father before twenty one." Jaune said. Suddenly the others laughed, but they all were silenced as Glynda cleared her throat and glared at them.
"Do any of you know what kind of battles we were doing today?" Glynda asked.
"Um… the same as always." Nora said making her team sigh.
"No. Team battles. In fact, how about Team JNPR go up next?" Glynda suggested as she typed in Team JNPR's name in the next roster. "Now, who will-" suddenly Cardin raised his hand. "Team CRDL. Are you volunteering?" Glynda asked.
"Yeah." Cardin said.
'Oh no, not again.' Jaune thought with his head hanging with annoyance. The two teams stood up from their seats and went downstairs as they were already dressed in battle gear. "Why did they volunteer?" Jaune whined, not wanting to deal with Cardin again.
"Well, Cardin is pretty sore over both you and Pyrrha beating him before." Ren said.
"Yep. What a sore~ loser." Nora said with a smile.
'I think I remember this. Cardin came at me because I was the weak link. Guess he might do the same. Better prepare for anything.' Jaune thought. 'Now that I think about it, for calling me a 'friend' he really came at me with no mercy.'
"Hey Jaune, how come you didn't bring Excalibur?" Nora asked, noticing he had Crocea Mors' sword instead of the mega sword.
"I still don't have the proper strength to wield it. Plus I don't want to use it on other students, or in this case waste it's luster on Cardin." Jaune said.
"Makes sense." Nora said as Team JNPR got in position in the ring.
Pyrrha looked to Jaune. She was the only person to face Jaune wielding Excalibur and he was amazing with it. Just two hits from the shotgun mode were enough to deplete her aura greatly. If Jaune did decide to use it then he could win against many of his opponents, especially with his type of tactic for fighting. Although she could understand Jaune's decision. To use aura to wield your weapon, protect yourself and heal your wounds at the same time would put you at a disadvantage, especially for someone with vast aura reserves like Jaune.
Team CRDL had taken some time getting to the arena. Jaune and Pyrrha had thought that they had made a quick strategy before they came down. Team CRDL and JNPR were now standing across from each other.
"Ready on both sides?" Glynda questioned. Both teams got into fighting position.
Jaune glared at Cardin who had a grin on his face. Now he knew he was after him specifically.
"Start!" Glynda shouted.
Cardin and Jaune charged at each other and clashed weapons. Jaune sent aura to his arm and pushed Cardin's mace away and then did a low 360 spin slash, getting Cardin's legs then stood up and kicked Cardin in the torso and, sending him stumbling back towards his team while Jaune jumped back to join his.
"Woohoo! Go Jaune!" Ruby cheered.
"Nora, split them up!" Jaune ordered.
"Got it." Nora said as she changed Magnhild into grenade launcher mode and shot numerous smoking grenades that formed a heart of pink smoke following them.
"Holy-"
"Move!" Cardin shouted, interrupting Russel, as they all then scatter.
"Ren, you take Russel. Nora, watch his back. Pyrrha attack Cardin." Jaune ordered.
Ren charged towards Russel, shooting rounds at the Mohawk student, who was doing his best to block and parry all the bullets, but he was then hit in the shoulder, making him flinch. Ren charged and sent a kick, sending Russel away.
Sky came at him with his halberd, but Nora slammed him into the ground with Magnhild, then swung at him croquet style, sending him into the wall. Dove came at her, but Jaune ran and slid, cutting the back of Dove's legs, causing him to trip over, rolling in front of Nora, who took the opportunity to slam Magnhild onto him.
"Thanks Jaune!" Nora called out with a wave.
"Behind you." Jaune called out. Nora then spun 360, as she hit Sky, who tried to sneak up on her, sending him flying.
"Thanks again!" Nora cheered as Dove tried to get up, so she then hit him back into the ground.
Jaune charged towards Pyrrha and Cardin. Once Pyrrha parried Cardin's mace away, she spun it Milo around and changed it into rifle mode, shooting Cardin, making him double back. Jaune then leaped over Pyrrha and slashed down on Cardin, then slammed his shield into Cardin, making him double over. Pyrrha then flipped over Jaune as Milo changed into Xiphos mode and slashed at Cardin. Once Pyrrha landed, Jaune grabbed Pyrrha's hand as he sent a horizontal slash with his sword, then spun, spinning Pyrrha with him as she then kicked Cardin making him double back.
Jaune released Pyrrha, as he ran over to Cardin with his aura surrounding the blade, as he then sent an upwards slash, sending Cardin into the air.
"Pyrrha, up!" Jaune said as he made himself a platform with his shield, allowing Pyrrha to jumped on it, then used he semblance to go up high into the air, then she suddenly grabbed Cardin, as she then used her strength to slam him into the ground, then did a somersault kick that sent him flipping momentarily into the air as he then fell to the ground.
"Not bad." Yang said with a grin.
"I'll say." Blake said with a small smile.
Cardin groaned as he got up on his hands and knees. He glared at Jaune, but then he looked to Russel. Russel noticed his leader looking at him and received a nod, making Russel grin. Jaune noticed the nod as he then turned in time to see a dagger flying his way. Jaune slid to the side to dodge it, but Russel just grinned as he pulled an unnoticed wire from his hand, sending the dagger spinning back.
"Jaune!" Pyrrha shouted, but it was too late. Jaune was then stabbed in the back by the dagger making everyone gasp.
"Now!" Cardin shouted as he got his mace.
Dove ran at Jaune and slashed his legs, making him bend to the side, where Sky slashed at him, spinning around as he then sent him towards Ren and Russel. Ren was about to run over to catch Jaune, but Russel jumped over him and sent a slash across Jaune's torso, followed by Cardin slamming him down into the ground. Cardin grabbed Jaune and threw him across the arena where Dove slashed at him, followed by an upwards slash by Sky's halberd, sending him into the air, where Russel was over him, pulling the wire to take back his dagger before he dove down, sending a double slash at Jaune's body, sending him to the floor, but Cardin charged over, spun and sent a hard blow to Jaune's face with his mace, but then energy exploded from the weapon as Jaune was sent flying, until he hit the floor, sliding to a halt where he laid beat up.
Everyone stared in pure shock as they saw Jaune, now brutally beaten with a bloody lip, cut chin, swollen cheek and some blood stained on his clothes, lied on the floor with his aura officially red, now meaning he was out.
"Jaune!" Pyrrha shouted as she ran to his side along with Nora and Ren. Cardin laughed.
"Finally put you in your place!" Cardin said before turning to Team RWBY. "See that Red? Fine place to put your trust in!" Cardin said with a grin making Yang growl. "Real dumb decision!"
'Dumb?' Jaune's mind echoed as new emotions spiraled into him.
"Like this wimp can protect you or any of his future brats from anything!"
'Brats? Can't protect!?' Jaune gritted his teeth.
"You'd have a better chance being with manure." Cardin laughed with superiority.
Team RWBY and the rest of JNPR were angry as they wanted to leave a thrashing on Cardin. Glynda was now angry, but she could not do a thing as a teacher. However she then noticed that Jaune's aura spike a bit, bringing him back from red, shocking her.
"I'm gonna break his legs." Nora growled as she tightly gripped Magnhild, but then she noticed that Jaune was getting up from the floor, now on one knee. She would have shown joy, but instead she had a nervous look on her face. "Jaune?" Ren and Pyrrha looked only to be shocked as Jaune was surrounded in a golden flame-like aura, gritting his teeth as his iris glowed golden, along with a vien throbbing on his neck.
"You… dare…" Jaune growled with pure rage and anger.
Suddenly Jaune's aura on the meter spiked all the way back up to a hundred percent.
"What?" Glynda said with pure shock and disbelief.
Suddenly Cardin was hit hard in the side of the face, with a hard golden glowing fist slammed into him by Jaune.
"Don't you dare say that to her! YOU RAT BRAINED PRICK!" Jaune screamed with pure anger and rage.
Suddenly a shockwave emanated from Jaune's fist, as Cardin was sent rocketing into a wall faster than the eye could see, creating an enormous crater onto the wall of the arena, creating cracks that extended far. Jaune immediately grabbed Cardin's mace that had fallen before, and roared as he spun, swing it, hitting Russel in the stomach, which led to slamming into Sky and finally Dove, as all three were being carried by the mace's momentum and then sent flying straight towards Carding, slamming into him one by one, and while they were still in the wall, Jaune threw the mace like a javelin, slamming into Russel's stomach as a shockwave followed, causing the four to become deeper indented into the wall, creating an even larger crater.
Jaune panted, his hair was pointed up as his eyes glowed gold, but then his aura faded as his hair and eyes returned to normal.
'The second lock has been destroyed. Now only one remains.' C Ozpin thought as Jaune fell to one knee, exhausted.
Jaune panted with sweat going down his brow, but then he noticed everyone's reaction to his actions. Everyone, even Glynda, Team RWBY and his own, stared at him with wide eyes and hanging jaws as they stared at him with shock, disbelief and amazement.
"Um~…" Jaune looked over to Team CRDL to see they were still indented into the wall as the mace finally fell to the ground. "Oh…" Jaune didn't feel too proud of the damage he had caused. Glynda blinked as she finally shook her head, freeing herself from her daze.
"Uh, V-victory: Team JNPR." Glynda announced.
The whole room literally screamed with cheers, and some people along with Yang were marching their feet against the floor with excitement. Jaune was surprised by the cheers. He had just left a team, battered and bruised into unconsciousness in a brutal fashion, and yet people were cheering for him. School was even crazier than he remembered. Parents would be appalled by this. Then again they are teenagers. Violence and hormones were basically what entertained them.
"Jaune!" Pyrrha screamed as Jaune stood up, then suddenly she glomped him in a tight hug. "You were amazing!" Pyrrha cheered.
"Yahoo!" Nora cheered as she charged in and hugged the two tightly.
"Nora." Jaune choked at he was being crushed by Nora and the Spartan.
"You were awesome!" Nora cheered as she released them.
"Well done Jaune." Ren said with a smile as he walked up to them.
"Thanks." Jaune said with a smile, but he still felt he was a bit in the wrong, despite Cardin deserving a beatdown. He then noticed Pyrrha was still hugging him with her eyes closed and a wide smile on her face.
"Oh Pyrrha~." Nora chimed. Pyrrha opened her eyes as she realized she was hugging Jaune for quite a bit of time.
"Sorry." Pyrrha said as she pulled back with a red blush and nervous smile, rubbing her arm.
"No worries." Jaune said with a smile.
Suddenly an excited scream was heard as Ruby tackled him into a hug, sending them both down to the ground.
"I'm so proud~!" Ruby cheered with a happy grin. Jaune smiled as he then lifted the both of them up and hugged her back.
"Like I said last time, I couldn't let someone badmouth you without a clock to the jaw." Jaune said with a smile. 'Or our kids.' Jaune mentally added, remembering his children. 'I won't fail any of you again.' Jaune thought.
"You're my knight!" Ruby cheered, shocking everyone including herself. "I mean… well… you know you're cool." Ruby separated from him with a fist to the side of her face as she blushed and looked away with an embarrassed smile on her face and one of her feet twisting in place.
'I'm her knight?' Jaune thought with shock, but then smiled wide. 'I'm her knight!' Jaune mentally cheered. Suddenly he was put in a headlock.
"Someone's cheery." Yang said with a grin.
"Is it you?" Jaune asked dulled as the side of his face was hitting Yang's breasts.
"Nice job clocking those dolts. Although you couldn't ease up on them so I could get my few punches in later?" Yang said still grinning.
"Sorry. Instinct just took over." Jaune said as he tried to pull himself out of the headlock.
"By the way, nice fireworks. Was that your semblance?" Yang asked as she loosened her hold, allowing Jaune to break free.
"I… I guess." Jaune said, although he lied as he looked to his hands. 'That was my semblance. Arc Light.'
"It was so cool! It was just like Yang's! Only her eyes glow red." Ruby said.
"Welcome to the kickass club." Yang said with a grin as she wrapped her arm around Jaune's neck.
"Great. Two blondes with anger management problems." Weiss said.
"Hey!" The two blondes in questioned shouted.
"I don't have anger issues, I'm just… emotional." Jaune said.
"Good one." Yang said with an agreeing grin and her hand on his shoulder.
"Like I've never heard that one before." Weiss said as she then walked away.
"Who have you heard that from before? Oh tell me, Ms. Empress." Jaune said as he followed along with the others.
Glynda watched the two teams walk away, but stared at Jaune, still in shock at his power. Never had she seen such a power. To raise your aura levels to great heights, even from red, is a feat that was so unique and powerful. Whatever Jaune's semblance was, it's a power to be both feared and respected. She then walked over to Team CRDL and used her crop to take them off the wall so they could fall to the floor before she completely reformed the wall back to normal condition.
Team CRDL groaned from the floor, but Glynda just walked away as the bell rang.
"You all better change." Glynda said using her words in a double meaning as well.
!
In the lunchroom, Teams RWBY and JNPR were sitting down and enjoying their meals. Well, all but one. Jaune said he needed to bleed the lizard before eating.
Too much information.
"So can we go back to Jaune kicking butt in class? Because I can't get my mind off of what he did." Nora said.
"I know right!? I didn't even think he had it in him! I've seen some beatdowns and have delivered my fair share, but that was without a doubt one of the most brutal I have seen so far." Yang said with a smirk.
"I don't understand what semblance that was. It was so brief I couldn't even comprehend what it was, let alone have time to think what it could be." Weiss said.
"What are you talking about? It made Jaune stronger. What more is there?" Nora said with a smirk.
"Not necessarily. If none of you had noticed before, Jaune's aura had spike all the way back to a hundred percent. Honestly I think there was more than what the scroll was able to show." Blake informed.
"So his aura literally increased beyond its normal capacity? That's impossible!" Weiss exclaimed with shock and belief. She couldn't believe it. It just seemed so impossible on how Jaune Arc, Beacon's goofball became one of the best students to be under its tutelage.
"Anything can happen I guess." Blake added.
Pyrrha was thinking over things with Jaune. Things have changed so much. Jaune did explain before he met someone who helped him advance in his studies, but something just felt off. Like there was more to Jaune that no other can truly explain, but himself.
"What's on your mind Pyrrha?" Ruby asked.
"Oh nothing. Just thinking about Jaune's new skills." Pyrrha said with a smile.
"Speaking of new skills, I really wish I could have seen Jaune use that big sword he has back at the dorm." Nora said.
"I actually sparred with him last night. He used Excalibur in our battle." Pyrrha mentioned making some of the others gasp, mainly Ruby, Nora and Weiss.
"How was it? Was it super strong?" Ruby quickly asked.
"Very much so. It was without a doubt the most powerful weapon I had ever clashed with in my life." Pyrrha said, surprising the others. "Look." Pyrrha said as she took out her scroll, and showed off something.
"Your battle records?" Yang questioned.
"This one is from my fight with Jaune." Pyrrha said pointing to the battle record. Everyone gasped when they stared at the record.
"A minute and forty seconds!? And he had reduced your aura to half!?" Yang exclaimed with pure shock and disbelief.
"This isn't possible. I refuse to believe it!" Weiss shouted.
"It happened. Jaune truly is an amazing warrior. Especially with Excalibur in hand." Pyrrha said with a smile.
"So how was he?" Nora asked.
"Well for one, Jaune constantly takes control of the fight. He uses much offense with Excalibur, which is understandable. He didn't allow me much breathing room. Every thought had to count."
"He's relentless?" Weiss questioned with shock.
"In a sense, yes. Although what made the style so effective was Excalibur itself. In just two shots in its firearm form, my aura went down to half." Pyrrha said shell shocking everyone.
"You're serious! Two clean shots?" Yang questioned.
"That's what it took." Pyrrha said.
"Dang. I'd hate to think what a swing would do." Blake said.
"Liar. You totally want to see it like the rest of us." Nora said with a grin.
"Did he use the add ons?" Ruby asked gaining the others' attention.
"No. Just his regular shotgun. He didn't bother using those extra pieces." Pyrrha answered.
"Excuse me. Add ons? What in the world are those?" Weiss asked.
"I refuse to expose anymore secrets about Jaune's awesome weapon." Ruby said with her arms crossed and her head held up high.
"I probably already had spoken too much about it to begin with." Pyrrha said as she looked to the side with some self-disappointment. Weiss wanted to get answers, but Yang spoke up.
"Leave it be Weiss. Ruby won't go blabbing about her knight's skills." Yang said/teased.
"Hey!" Ruby shouted as Yang laughed.
Suddenly a whole flock of girls went running making them turn to see Jaune had finally made it into the lunchroom, but a whole crowd surrounded him.
"That was amazing what you did back in combat class!"
"What kind of semblance do you have?"
"How strong are you really?"
"Was that whole 'being a total dork and bad at fighting' just an act the whole time?"
"Are you in love with Ruby?"
"Ladies… and gentleman, I need to eat. I can't do stuff like that on an empty stomach." Jaune said as he grabbed his plate. The group still hadn't moved, but one look from Jaune half lidded eyes and they dispersed, not wanting to envoke Jaune's anger. Jaune finally made his way to his team and Team RWBY's table. Once he sat down, he was about to take a bite of his chili, but he then noticed everyone looking at him. "What?"
"You sure became popular." Yang said with a smirk.
"Really? I thought people were just curious on the zero to hero thing." Jaune said.
"Well that too." Yang said.
"Some girls are looking at you." Nora said. Jaune turned to see some girls looking at him, but once he noticed them they turned away with blushes as they laughed a bit.
"Weird." Jaune said as he turned back and went to take a bit of his chili, but Yang wrapped her arms around Jaune's neck, stopping him from his feast as she brought him close to her.
"Looks like you're popular with the ladies. They got good taste. Now how come I didn't see this type of man before?" Yang flirted with seductive eyes.
"Thanks for the attention Yang, but you're not my type." Jaune said shocking everyone, but Yang more than the others.
"What!?" Yang shouted in disbelief as she let go of him, allowing him to move back.
"Oh~~~! Boom! You got Jauned!" Nora exclaimed with a grin as she pointed both finger at Yang as she stood up.
"I think Arced works better." Ren said with a smile.
"Well, safe to say I didn't see it coming." Blake said with a smile.
"I… actually now have some respect for you." Weiss said with a smile. Jaune was now frozen with his mouth hanging as his spoon was halfway to meeting his mouth, the chili falling from the utensil.
"Well… now I know I have shook the foundation of this place." Jaune said as he put the spoon down.
"So Jaune~… how was it like using your semblance?" Ruby asked with a smile.
"Yes! How was it to wield such a power?" Pyrrha asked excitedly. Who could blame her? Ever since she unlocked Jaune's aura, she has been dying to know what kind of semblance he would gain with a massive amount of aura level he has.
"Well… it felt… tingly… yet warm… and was like I was packing more than that…" Jaune said as he thought over how to explain his semblance to the others. Everyone just continued to stare at him.
"Yeah, and?" Nora asked wanting more details along with everyone else. Jaune's eyes looked side to side as they all leaned in to know more. Jaune sighed and just went with the best answer he could come up with.
"You guys ever wondered what it would be like to have the sun inside your body?" Jaune questioned. Everyone just looked at him with super wide eyes. "Yeah, that's the best I could describe it." Jaune said as he returned back to his meal, but right when his spoon full of chili was raised, someone interrupted him once more.
"Jaune!" Reebok came to the table bumping into the side.
"Oh sweet chili, why must they keep us apart?" Jaune whispered with sad eyes and a frown.
"I got something new for you!" Reebok exclaimed. Now Jaune was interested. "Check it!" Reebok placed gloves that seemed similar to Jaune's brown fingerless ones, but they had armor on the back of it with it extending for the forearms and they hard carvings on them that sort of resembles the thorny stems of a rose.
"What are these?" Jaune asked.
"Seismic Gauntlets!" Reebok exclaimed standing up proudly with a proud smile, gaining nearby people's attention.
"No~." Jaune said with wide eyes.
"Try it out." Reebok said. Jaune quickly took off his gloves and put the new ones on as they then glowed gold, intriguing Jaune and the group. "Punch this." Reebok said with a smirk as he pulled out an iron handheld ball. He then tossed it in front of Jaune, who immediately did as instructed and punched the ball, causing a shockwave to explode from his fist as the ball rocket out of the window, leaving a large hole; definitely more damage created than normally should have.
Everyone's jaws were hanging as they saw the damage. Jaune looked to his gauntlets as he they started to laugh and cheer.
"Oh man! This is great! Now I can break the jaws of Grimms right off their hinges!" Jaune cheered as he stood up from his seat. He then brought Reebok in a one arm hug. "I love you man!" Jaune said with a grin.
"Aw, think nothing of it. What are friends for?" Reebok said with a smile, but he did like Jaune thanking him.
"That… is… the coolest thing I've seen!" Ruby cheered.
"You have got to build me something like that! I need to punch harder!" Yang exclaimed as she stood up from her seat and went around Jaune to talk to Reebok.
"How did you make these? These are amazing technology! Are you from the advanced class?" Weiss started to ask as she made her way to Reebok.
"Make Magnhild more deadly!" Nora exclaimed with new desire.
Suddenly Reebok was getting a lot of attention, being praised and asked about his technology and earning requests to build new tech for people. It felt like he was in Shangri-La.
Goodwitch and Ozpin had seen the iron ball fly through the window and into the sky, making them enter the lunchroom to see Jaune with new gloves with his arm wrapped around another student, that the two definitely recognized as Alexander Hephaestus Willard or commonly known as Reebok; why? No one had a clue. They pieced things together which led to Goodwitch having an annoyed glare and her arms crossed while Ozpin smiled.
"Just let it slide this time." Ozpin said, happy to see Reebok finally having friends and being praised for his achievements. Goodwitch sighed as she used her crop to reform the window. She wouldn't admit it aloud, but she was also happy for Reebok. Despite causing the damage, she was at least happy he was earning praise for something he had ingeniously created. "Glynda, would you like some coffee?" Ozpin asked.
"No thanks. I've seen what it's done to Oobleck." Glynda said as she started to leave the cafeteria.
"Fair enough." Ozpin said with a shrug as he followed her out the room.
Sadly no one knew a certain group was hearing about Reebok's skills.
!
"Please, please, please, let me see you use Excalibur." Ruby begged as she walked beside Jaune.
"I don't know. I still feel like I need to build up my strength to use it properly." Jaune said.
"Is it really that heavy?" Ruby asked.
"Believe it or not, no. Even though it's pretty large, it can be wielded without having to gain super strength. I'm sure someone like Blake can wield it. Maybe with two hands though. I'm not completely sure how physically strong Blake is, but I know she's definitely stronger than Weiss." Jaune explained.
"Excuse me. You two are not exactly alone." Weiss said with an annoyed glare and her hands to her hips as she was referring to the two leaders' teams following behind them.
"So when will you be able to wield it?" Ruby asked.
"Unbelievable! They're ignoring me." Weiss complained.
"I don't think that's unbelievable." Blake said earning a glare from Weiss.
"Not sure. Because I never really had the motivation to gain muscle-"
"Impressing girls wasn't enough motivation?" Yang questioned, teasing with a smirk.
"Mom always said personality is the key, not body." Jaune immediately said with a nonchalant tone.
"He told you." Nora said with a smirk as Yang rolled her eyes.
"I'm obviously not physically strong, but I'm working on it." Jaune said with a smirk.
"It's true! He's been using dumbbells, doing push-ups, and all that stuff!" Nora backed Jaune up.
"Just give me a month." Jaune said.
"Oh~, wait!" Nora then got next to Jaune, grabbed his arm and poked his bicep, gasping at the touch. "Oh~, you're already showing!"
"It's only been two days." Ren said.
Jaune on the other hand was shocked. His biceps were growing. He could only think of one answer. Arc Light. His semblance had increased his muscle mass a bit. Although probably not much, and his muscles won't get bigger by his semblance alone. Actually it did help, but so far Jaune felt he wasn't able to activate and use his semblance at an extended time like he used to.
"No~, I mean it Ren! Look!" Nora exclaimed as she pulled Jaune and showed him the bicep.
"Wait a minute, your muscles have increased? How?" Ren questioned.
"Probably from that explosion of power he had." Yang suggested. She wasn't wrong.
"You keep this up, you'll be using that sword in no time!" Nora said with a grin.
"I hope so." Jaune said as he got his arm back.
"Hey Ruby, how about try feeling them?" Yang whispered to her sister making her sister blush.
"Hey Ruby." Jaune spoke up.
"Yeah!?" Ruby exclaimed, sounding louder than she intended making the others flinch at her loud vocals, which made her blush even more in embarrassment.
"I might not be able to wield Excalibur properly yet, but how about I make it up to you by taking you to that bakery you wanted to go to." Jaune suggested with a smile. Ruby gasped with joy as she then suddenly grabbed Jaune arm and ran down the hall, dragging him at high speed.
"Ruby! We still have class!" Weiss called out.
"Don't care!" Ruby shouted before turning the corner and vanishing with Jaune. The others stayed silent as they stared down the hall where there leaders had gone.
"Well… safe to say Jaune has an influence on Ruby." Blake said.
"Yep." Nora agreed as they all stood around in silence. "So when do you think they're going to be together-together?" Nora asked with a smile causing the other to look at her in shock.
!
Ruby was using her semblance to speed through the halls, knocking people in her way. All the while Jaune was having severe motion sickness. And he thought a bullhead was bad.
They were close to the exit, but Glynda suddenly came in and stood in their way, forcing Ruby to skid to a halt. Ruby looked up at Glynda, who narrowed her eyes at her, worrying the young reaper.
"And where exactly are you going?" Glynda questioned.
"Um… out to get some fresh air." Ruby said timidly.
"Then why are you dragging him along?" Glynda pointed to Juane, who laid on the ground, groaning as he had swirls for eyes.
"Uh…"
"Get to class." Glynda said as she glared at Ruby.
"Yes ma'am." Ruby said as she sped off again, dragging Jaune along with her. Glynda sighed as she shook her head.
"I hope she does mature when she gets older. Otherwise I'm not sure how Mr. Arc can keep up with her." Glynda said shaking her head.
Once making it to Oobleck's class, Ruby positioned Jaune on a seat and sat down next to him.
"Ruby." Ruby turned to see Pyrrha up on a higher level of seating. "Is Jaune okay?" Pyrrha asked with concern. Ruby looked at him to see Jaune groaning and moaning as some drool came down the side of his lip.
"I'm sure he'll be fine." Ruby said, although she wasn't completely confident in her words. Jaune moaned as he held his head, but then he noticed Cardin giving him a sly grin, which made him stare at him seriously. The bell then rang as Oobleck sped in front of Jaune.
"Mr. Arc, eyes forward." Oobleck ordered as he then sped away. Jaune faced forward, but he couldn't help, but feel something was going on with Cardin.
!
After class, everyone was finally free.
"Jaune, let's go!" Ruby exclaimed as she started jumping up and down.
"Um, do you mind if we change out of our school uniforms? I don't feel like going in my school uniform and battle outfit." Jaune said.
"Oh… then what are you gonna wear?" Ruby asked.
"You'll see." Jaune said.
"So~, are you two going out on a date then?" Nora teased.
"No." Ruby said quickly.
"Yeah." Jaune instantly said without thinking. The others looked at him as he walked away, but then he stopped and turned to them. "What?" Jaune questioned with a shrug as everyone stared at him. "Call it what you want, I'm getting changed." Jaune said as he waved it off and walked away. Suddenly Yang and Nora laughed while Ruby's entire face was red. 'Damn instincts.' Jaune thought with annoyance.
'Just shows how much you love her.' C Ozpin responded telepathically.
'True, but that might scare Ruby since we're still in the early stage.' Jaune responded, but then something sped pass him along with rose petals. Jaune stayed still as he stared at where Ruby left towards. Suddenly Yang placed her arm around Jaune's neck.
"Well looks like you better hurry and get ready." Yang said with a grin, but then she got serious. "If you dare try anything or hurt her in any way, I'll hunt you down." Yang threatened her fellow blonde as she pressed her finger against Jaune's nose.
"Uh… does she consider this a date?" Jaune asked; the threat laying no effect on him. Yang looked at him with blinking normal eyes.
"I dunno." Yang said with a shrug. "Go get ready." Yang pushed him forward. Jaune sighed as he hurried down the hall.
"I'm surprise he wasn't afraid of you." Blake said.
"Oh no, he is." Yang said with a smirk and her fists to her hips.
"I'm pretty sure he's not." Ren agreed.
"Well you'll be if you keep talking." Yang said.
!
The rest of Team RWBY made it to their dorm and once they opened the door, they saw Ruby looking in the mirror, checking out her looks. She wore a red top with red lapels, a white undershirt, a black with red trimming corset that wrapped around her stomach, a red skirt with black frills underneath, dark stockings, a pair of black boots with spikes at the bottom and a pair of fishnet arm bands, and of course she still wore her red hooded cape.
Ruby then attached a silver rose pendant on the right side of the bottom of her corset.
"There. Perfect." Ruby said with a smile. She then noticed the rest of her team gawking at her. "You guys don't think it's too much, do you?" Ruby asked, showing off her clothes.
"Um~…"
"Thanks! Oh you guys are the best!" Ruby said happily with a wide smile as she then sped pass them with her semblance.
"She actually considers this a date." Weiss said.
"Okay… this is shocking." Yang said as she held the side of her head.
"You're the one who teased about this before." Weiss said pointing at the blonde.
"Yeah, but I never imagined things would go this route so fast." Yang said.
"Isn't that how you usually like it?" Blake questioned.
"Oh~~." Weiss was impressed.
"Well played. Except I'm not the one going on the date." Yang said with her fists to her hips.
"Jaune~! I'm ready!" Ruby said as she repeatedly knocked on Team JNPR's door. The rest of Jaune's team came in time to see Ruby knocking on their door.
"She definitely thinks this is a date." Nora said with a smile, but then she noticed the small frown on Pyrrha's face. Before she could say anything to the Spartan, their door opened to reveal Jaune.
Jaune was dressed in a red shirt and black jeans with black shoes, and an unbuttoned white shirt over the red shirt with the sleeves rolled up to the elbows, and C wrapped around his neck.
"Whoa, Jaune." Jaune heard Nora's voice as he looked to see everyone looking at him, surprised by his good looking attire.
"What?" Jaune said with a shrug. He really didn't understand what was with them lately. I mean, sure he's said and done things that he wouldn't have said before, but come on, it's just a change of clothes. How could that give someone such pause? Jaune then looked to Ruby, only to gawk at her. "Whoa, Ruby, you look great!" Jaune complimented with a smile. Ruby blushed and looked to the side. Yeah… he 'didn't' understand why people would gawk at clothes. "Shall we?" Jaune offered his arm to her.
Ruby smiled as she wrapped her arms around his and then they walked away.
Their teams watched as they walked away.
They had numerous thoughts on the brain regarding the two. The main thing being, do they have feelings for each other?
It all started with Jaune, but if he did have feelings for Ruby, when did it start?
"So… does anyone know where Jaune got that necklace? Because I've see him wearing that all the time lately." Yang wondered.
"He just woke up with it with the rest of his cool clothes." Nora answered.
"What clothes?" Yang asked. Nora grinned as she dashed to the wardrobe and took out the clothes by the hanger they were on.
"This one!" Nora said gesturing to the clothes she was holding by the hanger. The rest of Team RWBY stared at the clothes in surprise and interest in how good it actually looked. Nora then noticed that there was something in the pocket within the coat. It looked like a photo. Nora was about to reach in and grab it, but the clothes were immediately taken away by Ren.
"Nora, Jaune said do not touch." Ren said as he put the clothes back in the wardrobe.
"Sorry~, but they look so cool! Plus there are things inside the pockets. Aren't you curious? ~" Nora said with a grin as she leaned closer to Ren.
"You want to get Jaune mad at you?" Ren asked.
"Well… he has gotten a bit… scary now." Nora said looking side to side.
"I rest my case." Ren said as he closed the wardrobe.
!
"Well, this is it." Jaune said as he and Ruby were in front of Hot Sweets.
"Let's go!" Ruby shouted as she sped inside, holding onto Jaune's arm, dragging him in.
'Déjà vu.' Jaune thought. Ruby immediately went to the cashier, luckily no one was on line or she would have sent people flying with her speed like the first time in the other timeline.
"Four Dozen chocolate chip cookies, and a glass of milk please!" Ruby ordered, surprising the cashier. The cashier looked to Juane who held his head from the dizziness, but then shrug at the cashier. Taking the order down, Jaune paid the cashier, knowing the proper amount from his timeless visits to this store back in his original timeline.
"Ruby you go get a table, I'll wait here for the order." Jaune said.
"Okay!" Ruby quickly sped off to find a table.
"You able to carry all that by yourself?" The female cashier asked.
"I have my ways." Juane said.
After getting the order, Jaune made his way to Ruby, sitting at a table.
"Hey Jaune, where are the cookies?" Ruby asked, noticing that Jaune had nothing in his hands.
"Hey look, a cookie mascot!" Jaune exclaimed pointing in a random direction.
"Where?" Ruby turned her head, allowing C to glow as their order appeared on the table making Ruby turn back to see the cookies and milk in front of her. "How did you do that?" Ruby asked.
"Personal secret." Jaune said with a proud smirk as he gingerly held C, as a way to thank the crystalized being, before sitting down across from Ruby. "You know, I figured you'd order more than this." Jaune said.
"I didn't want you to lose all your money, because of me." Ruby said as she grabbed a cookie.
"You want to come back here with me as soon as possible, don't ya?" Jaune asked rhetorically with a smirk.
"Maybe~." Ruby chimed as her eyes looked to the side playfully. She then took a bit of the cookie, causing her eyes to widen as they sparkled. She then gave a noise of joy as she floated in the air for a second, before she started chowing down on the other cookies at a fast pace. Jaune smiled as he shook his head, before taking a cookie and biting into it.
'They still make the best cookies. Well, next to Ruby's.' Jaune thought as he remembered the cookies Ruby used to make when they were married. 'Married…' Jaune looked to Ruby who was enjoying herself with a gleeful smile. 'I was once married to this girl. To me it's nothing new, but I forget that to her it would be the craziest thing ever. She's not the same Ruby I married, but she's Ruby nonetheless. Someone I fell in love with, or at least will in this timeline.' Then Jaune thought of something. 'Or… am I alluding myself to believe I am falling for this Ruby?' Jaune thought as he stared at his cookie.
"Hey Jaune."
"Hm?" Jaune looked up at Ruby.
"You okay?" Ruby asked.
"Yeah, just thinking is all." Jaune answered.
"About what?" Ruby asked.
"Just… the future I guess." Jaune said.
"What kind of future?" Ruby asked.
"Just… about when we grow up."
"Oh! You mean when we final become hunters! That's going to become great! We could travel around the world and help everyone!"
"You know… the guy who's been teaching me says being a huntsman isn't going to be all that easy. We'll have to make decisions we'll regret. We won't be able to save everyone Ruby." Jaune said.
"Maybe… but that's why I have people like you. You'll always have my back, right Jaune?" Ruby asked with a hopeful smile. Jaune stared at Ruby, looking at her smiling hopeful face with hoping eyes. He couldn't help, but smile back at her.
"Always." Jaune said with a smile. Ruby smiled as she then held a cookie and extended it to him. Juane grabbed it and the two broke it in half together.
"To the future!" Ruby cheered with a grin. Jaune's smile widened.
"To the future. Our future." Jaune said as he ate his cookie, although he missed the blush on Ruby's smiling face.
!
After… a few more rounds of sweet chocolate chip goodness, the pair left the bakery. Jaune suggested going for a walk in the park, which Ruby happily agreed to.
"Ugh, I'm so stuffed. Those cookies really were filling." Ruby said as she held her stomach. Jaune looked down at her stomach as then an imaged of a larger, rounder belly appeared. He was remembering those times where Ruby was pregnant with their kids. He looked to her face to see an image of her older self, the one he remembered growing up with.
"Jaune." Ruby spoke in her light, beautiful voice. Jaune blinked his eyes as the image faded, as now all he could see was her young self. "Why are you staring at me?" Ruby asked.
"Just thinking how pretty you are." Jaune said genuinely. Ruby looked surprised and when Jaune turned his head forward, Ruby turned her own away, pressing her fists against her cheeks, as they became red. "Wanna lay on the grass?" Jaune asked.
"Uh, sure!" Ruby exclaimed with a new smile and red cheeks. Jaune and Ruby walked over to the grass and lied down, sighing. "Now this feels better." Ruby said with a smile as she placed her hand on her belly, but then she gave a small burp, making her cover her mouth. "Sorry."
"Don't mention it. It's natural." Jaune said with a smile as he had his hands behind his head.
"Say, um… Jaune."
"Yeah."
"I can understand the whole becoming stronger and cooler from meeting this guy, who by the way are you going to tell me who it is?"
"Where would the fun in that be? There are so few surprises in life. Best to have a few more for good measure." Jaune said making Ruby sigh.
"Fine. Anyway, what I was getting is, well… why do you want to spend more time with me?" Ruby asked with a tint of pink on her cheeks.
"Because I want to. Isn't that enough?" Jaune said with a smile.
"I-I know, but I wanted a reason behind it, you know?" Ruby said as she twiddled her fingers.
"Well… I never get to spend enough time with you. You're the first friend I made at Beacon, and you help me out when you can, but… at the same time… I feel like I don't know more about you than I should. After that day, you know where I showed you Silver Eye? I just… wanted to spend more time with you. Is that reason enough?" Jaune looked to Ruby who turned her body to the side.
"Yes. That's more than enough." Ruby said as her whole face was red.
"I'm happy." Jaune said, catching Ruby off guard.
"Huh?" Ruby turned to the blonde.
"I'm happy you wanted to go out with me. That brings me more joy than… actually being a huntsman or a hero." Jaune said with a smile as he looked up into the sky. Ruby sat up with her knees to her chest as she stared at Jaune with wide eyes and a completely red face as little hearts danced around her head. "Hey Ruby." Jaune turned his head to her.
"Yeah?" Ruby flinched as the hearts popped away and she fought off the blush she developed.
"Besides being a huntress… what's your dream for the future?" Jaune asked.
"Oh. Um… I never thought of it… you?"
"Start a family, get a few kids, watch them grow, hopefully become stronger than myself, and retire with my beautiful, funny, yet slightly childish wife." Jaune said looking up to the sky with a smile. 'That was the plan.'
"Wow… that's sweet Jaune." Ruby said with a smile. "Wait… childish?" Ruby questioned.
"I just think someone who still has a little innocent charm is cute." Jaune said with a shrug.
"I see." Ruby said, but then turned her head and had a huge smile. 'I have that!' Ruby then turned to the sky, smiling, but then Jaune brought his hands down, with his being over Ruby's. They looked to their hands and looked back to each other.
"Sorry." Jaune said taking his hand off.
"No, no… it's fine." Ruby said looking to the side with a smile as she rubbed her arm bashfully.
Jaune looked to the sky along with Ruby. Both admiring the great blue above. They stayed silent for a few moments.
"You brought Crescent Rose, didn't you?" Jaune asked rhetorically since he knew the answer.
"Yep. You brought Excalibur?"
"Yep." Jaune simply answered. "Wanna go get some exercise?" Jaune asked turning his head to Ruby.
"What kind of exercise?" Ruby asked.
"Mm~, maybe kill some Grimm." Jaune said with a smile. Ruby smiled widely with new joy and excitement.
!
Jaune was walking down the halls of the dorm room level with Ruby on his back, being carried piggy back style.
"Okay, your turn." Jaune said.
"Um~… Your favorite hobby." Ruby said.
"Playing guitar, write some stories and drawing. I also make comics sometimes." Jaune answered.
"I didn't know you played guitar." Ruby said.
"My sisters always tried to make me the 'perfect man' since I was the only boy. Sometimes I wonder if I was their own personal doll." Jaune said remembering the memories he had with his sisters. "Alright, now my turn. Hm… worst fear." Jaune said with a smirk. Ruby then blushed as she looked to the side.
"Promise you won't laugh?" Ruby asked.
"I promise." Jaune said with a soft smile. Ruby stayed looking to the side with an embarrassed blush.
"Spiders… the fake kind." Ruby said. Jaune stayed strong and not to laugh. It was easier since he was her husband in the previous timeline.
"Why exactly?" Jaune asked with a smile.
"I don't know. I mean real spiders are icky, but to me the fake ones… are just so much creepier when they're lifeless." Ruby said as she tightened her hold on Jaune with her head resting deeper into his neck. Jaune laughed a bit. "Hey! You said you wouldn't laugh!" Ruby whined.
"I'm not laughing at your fear, trust me. Now if you said you were afraid of slinkies, then I wouldn't hold back." Jaune said, managing to get Ruby to smile. "Listen, how about I tell you something about myself that I know people would laugh at." Jaune said.
"Okay. What?" Ruby asked. Jaune looked around to make sure no one was around to hear what he'd say.
"You know the hoodie I usually wear?" Jaune asked.
"Yeah."
"… It may have… Pumpkin Pete's head on the chest." Jaune said with a small blush. Ruby blinked for a moment, but then she burst out laughing.
"You mean *laugh* you have *giggle* a little bunny on your hoodie?" Ruby laughed.
"Yep. Cost me fifty box tops." Jaune said. Ruby then burst with even louder laughter. Jaune sighed, but he smiled. He was happy to make Ruby happy.
"Okay… okay… I'm sorry, that was way funnier than I thought it would be." Ruby said as she wiped a tear from her eye.
"Well glad you got your kicks." Jaune said with half lidded eyes and a smile. "By the way, it's your turn." Jaune said.
"Oh, right. Um~… place you want to live when you grow up." Ruby asked with a smile.
"Patch. It's a great place to start a family. Plus, I think it's beautiful." Jaune said with a smile.
"Yeah." Ruby smiled as her cheeks blushed. "I think so too." Ruby said as she snuggled into Jaune's neck with closed eyes and a smile. Jaune blushed as well as he looked to her with a smile.
Jaune then stopped in front of Team RWBY's door.
"Well, we're here." Jaune said, earning a moan of disappointment from Ruby. "What? You wanted to spend more time with me?" Jaune teased a bit with a smirk.
"… Maybe." Ruby said looking to the side with an embarrassed blush. Jaune laughed a bit.
"I'll always have time for you. Just ask." Jaune said with a smile. Ruby smiled back at him.
"Okay." Ruby said with a nod. Jaune then lightly kicked the door a bit.
"You girls decent?" Jaune called out.
"Come in!" Yang called back.
"Got my hands full!" Jaune called back.
"Hold on." Yang said. The door then opened a moment later, but when it was wide open, a flash illuminated, hitting Jaune and Ruby's vision, making them go wide eyes in surprise as they saw Yang grinning with a camera in hand. "Aw~, you guys look so cute~." Yang teased.
"Only you Yang." Jaune said with a small smirk and dull eyes.
"Yep." Ruby said, matching his expression. Jaune walked in a few steps and waited for Ruby to get off, but she stayed on.
"Having too much fun to let go, huh?" Yang teased with a grin. Ruby blushed red as she then got off Jaune's back.
"Thanks for today Jaune. It was nice." Ruby said with a smile and blush as her hand over the other, pointing down.
"I had fun too. Remember, if you want to hang out, just come to me any time." Jaune said with a smile.
"I-I'll do that." Ruby said as she looked to the ground. Suddenly she got on her tiptoes and kissed Jaune's cheek, surprising the blonde and shocking her fellow roommates. Ruby looked to the side with a red blush and bashful smile, while Jaune's smile widened and he held his cheek, where Ruby kissed him.
"Okay Casanova, go get a move on. Girl time." Yang said as she pushed Jaune out the door then closed the door. Jaune blinked, but then sighed with a smile as he had his hands in his pockets and walked off.
Inside Team RWBY's dorm, Ruby sat on her bed; her legs hanging off the side. Yang walked over and looked up to her sister with a grin and her fists to her hips.
"So~, how'd it go?" Yang asked.
"Honestly. It was one of the best day I've had so far. We ate some cookies, walked in the park, laid on the grass and even fought some Grimm together." Ruby sighed dreamily as she remembered her day. "Jaune looked so cool fighting off the Grimm. He's gotten so strong." Ruby said as her eyes shined. Her team looked to her with wide eyes, with Weiss' mouth agape. They turned to one another, before they looked back at her, with Weiss' mouth still gaped and Yang grinning.
"Sounds like you had a great day." Yang said with a toothy grin.
"Yang…"
"Yeah?" Yang now sensed her big sister senses tingling.
"Um… question." Ruby said looking to the side as she twiddled her fingers.
"Shoot."
"How… how do you know when you're in love?" Ruby asked.
Her team stared at her with wide shocked eyes and their jaws dropped.
!
Jaune decided to go visit Reebok and see how he was doing before settling back to his dorm room. Once walking in, he saw the shorter teen working on something.
"Yo Reebok, how you been?" Jaune greeted with a wave. Reebok flinched and hit the invention underneath a tarp and turned to Jaune with a welding mask on.
"Hey Jaune, how's it going?" Reebok greeted his friend.
"Uh, why keep the welding mask on? I can barely hear you." Jaune said.
"Uh, I like how it feels on my face." Reebok said.
"I thought you hated them, because they make your face sweat a lot." Jaune said.
"Uh… I changed my mind." Reebok said. Jaune frowned.
"Take off the mask." Jaune said.
"Uh, no, I'm fine." Reebok said. Jaune walked over to him, but Reebok back away. Suddenly the welding mask was pulled off by Seymour's tracker beam to reveal a black eye and busted lip.
"What in the!?"
"Seymour!" Reebok shouted.
"I'm sorry Master Alexander, but he needed to know." Seymour said.
"Who did this?" Jaune asked with a stern expression
"It was-" but before Seymour could finish, he was shut off and caught in Reebok's arms.
"I'm sorry… friend." Reebok said with a frown and sad eyes.
"Dude, what the-"
"You should go Jaune." Reebok said turning away.
"Reebok, tell me who did this! I'll take care of-"
"I don't want trouble! I don't want you to get involved in this Jaune. I don't want a friend risking his future here over me." Reebok said.
"Alex… let me help." Jaune said with pleading eyes and his hand extended. Reebok frowned with sadder eyes as he set down Seymour and took the welding mask back on and resumed work on the weapon, with the tarp still hiding it from Jaune.
Jaune frowned. He had a gut feeling who beat up Reebok, but he needed exact proof to take matters into his own hands. Jaune walked out of the room, leaving a sad Reebok.
"I'm sorry Jaune." Reebok said with remorse.
Jaune was walking back to the dorms. There was one person who he knew could help him.
!
Jaune knocked on the door of Team RWBY's dorm. Waiting patiently, Yang opened the door.
"Couldn't get enough of my sister, huh?" Yang teased with a smirk.
"I need to talk to Blake." Jaune said surprising Yang. Yang opened the door more as Jaune walked in. "Blake, I need a favor." Jaune said as the secret cat faunus looked up from her book to see Jaune's stern expression.
!
How did she agree to this?
Well Jaune was making no room for argument as he gave her Reebok's schedule so she could spy on him. He said with her 'ninja skills' she could check on Reebok in between classes without detection and be able to make it to class on time. He wasn't wrong.
Right now she silently followed the young genius, who was carrying a large load in his arms. Rounding the corner, Blake picked up the pace as she then hugged the wall and peaked her head toward the corner to see Reebok standing in front of Team CRDL.
"I got your special Mace finished Cardin. Along with your teams other weapons." Reebok said with a frown.
"Thanks 'little buddy'." Cardin said with a smirk as he took the new mace with his team taking their new weapons. "Let's see how Jauney boy can defend against this." Cardin said as he pressed a button, causing the tip of his mace to open up and fire a concentrated sphere blast of heated energy that scarred the wall. "Good work, 'friend'." Cardin said, slapping Reebok on the back, making him fall.
"Ow." Reebok said as Team CRDL laughed. Reebok sighed with sad eyes and a frown.
Blake felt her blood boil. She would go and take care of this right now, but he knew Jaune would do a better job, seeing as Cardin isn't even considered a threat to him in any form, until now.
!
Cardin had showed off his new mace in Combat Class, which amazed everyone. Cardin had grinned sadistically at Jaune who stared back at him with disinterest. Right now, Blake was telling the others what she had found out about Reebok and Team CRDL.
"And that's what I saw. I don't know what Cardin did to get Reebok to agree, but I've got the feeling it wasn't about earning more beatings." Blake explained. The table, consisting of Teams RWBY and JNPR were boiling with rage. Reebok was a nice, socially awkward, young genius and now Cardin was using him, treating him badly.
Out of all of them, Jaune remained silent as he looked down at the table.
"Thank you Blake." Jaune said, but his tone actually brought a sense of worry to him.
"Jaune… don't do something hasty." Weiss said.
"Thanks for the concern… but I need to help my friend." Jaune said as he stood up and started walking over to Team CRDL's table. Everyone noticed Jaune making his way over, which brought them feelings of concern and excitement about a possible new fight to happen. Once Jaune was close, he heard Cardin boasting.
"That new mace is gonna come in handy." Cardin said with a superior smirk.
"Can't believe it was easy to get that stupid kid on our side by threatening to burn those blueprints." Russel said with a smirk, but as he and Cardin laughed, Dove tapped his shoulder and pointed to the newcomer, arriving behind Cardin, worrying them with new fear.
"I know right? What a nerd!" Cardin exclaimed with a grin.
"That nerd… is my friend." Jaune said making Cardin's eyes widen. Jaune then suddenly grabbed the back of Cardin's head and slammed Cardin's face straight into the table, breaking it in half and slamming Cardin's face into the floor, shocking everyone and making the rest of Team CRDL back away with new fear.
"Ugh… Jauney boy?" Cardin said, but then Jaune lifted his head up and slammed his face back into the pavement.
"Don't… call me… that." Jaune growled with gritting teeth. "I've had enough of your shit Cardin. I honestly don't care if you keep coming after me for the rest of my life, but you stay away from my friends!"
"You think… you could call all the shots."
"I make all the shots when I decide to get involved in stuff like this. I'm not warning you Cardin, I'm telling you, if you come after my friends again, treating them like dirt, I will make sure you never even think of looking in mine or any of their general direction. Leave Reebok alone, now." Jaune said as his aura glowed around his body. Jaune then glared up at the rest of Team CRDL who were cowering. "That also goes for you three. You think Cardin's scary? You have never seen me extremely… pissed… off." Jaune said as his eyes glowed gold, scaring them. "Enjoy the rest of lunch." Jaune said as he released Cardin and walked away.
Everyone looked at Jaune with amazement and admiration. Jaune just keeps proving that he is not just a worthy huntsman, but a person in general. Strong, confident and good hearted, but not afraid to get his hands dirty. He's the kind of guy they all want to become.
Once Jaune made his way over to his table, he noticed Glynda at the door with her arms crossed.
"I think I'm in trouble." Jaune said as they all turned to see Glynda.
"Well you did just assault someone and broke a table in half with their face." Ruby said.
"Yeah, I did. Catch ya later." Jaune said as he gave a small fist bump to Ruby before walking over to Glynda. "You got here quicker than usual." Jaune said.
"There's someone who wants to see you." Glynda said. Jaune blinked his eyes, wondering who it was.
!
Jaune and Glynda took the elevator to Ozpin's office. Both standing there in silence, with Glynda having her arms crossed. Jaune picked his right ear as the Headmistress stood at his left side.
"So, uh… is there something between you and Ironwood, or you and Ozpin?" Jaune asked looking to the Headmistress. Glynda just looked at Jaune with her usual stoic yet intimidating eyes. "Just asking." Jaune said with a shrug.
"I can see how you're his student." Glynda said.
"You mean Qrow, right?" Jaune said. Suddenly the doors opened as they were now in Ozpin's office. Jaune's eyes went wide as he saw person they were just talking about in front of Ozpin's desk.
"So this is the Wonder brat, huh?" Qrow questioned.
"Rather be a brat than a drunk." Jaune said out of instinct.
"You don't know me to say that." Qrow said.
"You've got a flask in your hand." Jaune said walking in with Glynda as he pointed at the flask in Qrow's hand. Qrow looked down at the flask and shrugged.
"Touché." Qrow said as he took a chug of his flask.
'Monty, I missed this.' Jaune thought with a smirk as he stared at his old teacher.
"Alright. So why did you ask me to come here?" Qrow asked as he put his flask back inside his coat pocket.
"Heads up." Jaune tossed C, over to Qrow, who caught it, only to see images go through his mind faster than light, yet he was able to process all of it. Qrow gave a small yell as he dropped C, but C glowed and levitated before he hit the ground and came back towards Jaune.
"You really ought to be careful Qrow. Then again, collateral damage was kind of your thing." C said as Jaune grabbed him and put him back around his neck.
"What did I see? And Did That Damn Thing Just Talk!?" Qrow shouted, demanding answers as he pointed at C.
"We have a lot to talk about… teach." Jaune said.
!
"Okay… let me see if I got this straight. You're from a timeline, where Beacon and Vale get their asses handed over to Salem's forces, led by a young woman whose going to pose as a student here during the final day of the Vytal Tournament, but in the end after a long time you guys managed to beat them with Ruby using her Silver Eyes, to beat Salem, and then you all lived happily ever after, with you marrying my niece, and having kids, only for all that to be taken away by this new group called the Black Arms, who finish Salem's work, but you managed to kill the last one, even though that made you the last man on Remnant. And then after finding Ozpin here, who's a freaking crystal now, you were able to travel back into this time to fix everything." Qrow said, trying to register what the blonde knight, who apparently is his student from another timeline, had just explained to him.
"That's exactly it." Jaune said.
"And I take over as Beacon's Headmaster." Qrow added.
"Yep." Jaune said with a nod. Qrow just stared at the knight, before turning to Ozpin.
"You wanna just hand over that mug now. It's practically your key to the office." Qrow said.
"Take this seriously Qrow." Glynda said.
"He's just breaking the ice. It's a lot for him to take in." Jaune said.
"Kid knows me, but I'm still not convinced." Qrow said as he took out his flask and twisted off the top.
"In my timeline, you told me that you were in love with Summer, so you filled her locker with roses on Valentine's Day. You never told anyone about it before in your life." Jaune said, shocking Qrow, causing the drunk to look at him with wide eyes as he had the opened top of his flask in his mouth.
"Okay, now I believe him." Qrow said as he brought the flask down.
"You were in love with Rose?" Ozpin questioned.
"… Maybe." Qrow said. "So why did you want to tell me this… nephew?"
"Because your one of the only people that I trust." Jaune said.
"More than Ironwood?" Qrow questioned.
"More than Ozpin." Jaune said surprising Qrow and Glynda. "No offense you guys."
"None taken/None taken." Ozpin and C Ozpin said, waving it off. (If only C had the hands to wave at all.)
"Alright. At least I won't have to worry about getting Intel since we have our very own little cheat here." Qrow said with a grin.
"I'm not a cheat. I'm just… an old man with experience." Jaune said with a stoic frown and his arms crossed. Qrow laughed, slapping his knee.
"I love this kid!" Qrow exclaimed with a grin as he wrapped his arm around Jaune's neck.
"Okay, okay, no one likes a kiss ass." Jaune said with a smirk.
"Cheeky brat." Qrow said with a grin.
"I can see inherited traits." Glynda said with her arms crossed.
"You a drunk?" Qrow asked.
"People keep it away from me the best they can. They say I'm… more emotional when drunk." Jaune said.
"You mean more temperamental." Glynda said.
"If you don't want to sugar coat it." Jaune said.
"Well with that out of the way, you two may go. Qrow, I expect you to be ready when the time comes." Ozpin said.
"Now that I know what's coming, I'm probably going to hang around Vale more often." Qrow said, releasing Jaune.
"And Jaune, if there is anything else more to discuss, please do not hesitate to visit." Ozpin said.
"Of course. Although, if I ever see Commander Ironwood, then I'll have to keep my trap shut. I don't want him using the knowledge I have to start an all-out war, before it's even begun." Jaune said.
"Kid's smart. Then again I did teach him." Qrow said as he took a swig of his flask.
The master and student walked toward the elevator and went down to the main level.
"He's not wrong about James." Glynda said.
"I know." Ozpin said.
!
"So you joined Ironwood's fleet, eh?" Qrow said as he and Jaune walked out of the building.
"Only to get stronger. Honestly you weren't wrong about wanting to shoot yourself half the time." Jaune said.
"And that's why I'm the master." Qrow said taking a swig from his flask. "Want some?"
"Maybe a sip." Jaune said taking the flask.
"Don't drink all of it or I'll beat your ass." Qrow said.
"Knowing you, that's a promise." Jaune said as he took a swig from the flask.
"Jaune!" Jaune heard Reebok's yell making him give back the flask to Qrow and gulp the liquor in his mouth. He saw Reebok with his team and Team RWBY following, as they ran over to him. "Jaune, you idiot! You didn't have to do that for me!" Reebok shouted as he stopped in front of the blonde. Jaune knocked gently on Reebok's noggin.
"What are you? A fool? That's what friends do for one another." Jaune said with a smile as Reebok smiled back.
"Thank you for your help Master Jaune." Seymour said flying in between the two.
"Hey Seymour, your back online! Great." Jaune said with a grin.
"What the hell is that? A flying saucer?" Qrow questioned.
"Uncle!?" Yang exclaimed with surprise.
"Uncle Qrow!" Ruby suddenly tackled his arm and hugged it. "Hi." Ruby greeted with a smile as he lifted his arm and her off the ground. "Oh~, it's so good to see you. Did you miss me? Did you miss me!?" Ruby asked excitedly.
"… Nope." Qrow said with a smirk as he then ruffled Ruby's hair and let her down as Yang then dashed to him and hugged him in a strong hug that caused a few cracking noise as Qrow gritted his teeth.
"I can't believe you're here!" Yang cheered.
"And I can't believe you're strong enough to break my spine." Qrow said as Yang released him, allowing him to breathe again and relax.
"So what are you doing here?" Yang asked.
"Oh nothing. Just came to visit Ozpin and see my student." Qrow said.
"Student?" Ruby questioned. Qrow grinned as he grabbed the top of Jaune's head and moved it around.
"Okay, quit it. I think they get the point." Jaune said with a dull look. Ruby then squealed with joy as she immediately hugged Jaune.
"We're the same! Qrow taught me too!" Ruby cheered with a happy grin. Jaune smiled as he hugged her back. Qrow chuckled at the sight.
"Excuse me, but do you mind tell me how you two came to meet?" Weiss asked.
"I know you. Your Ice Queen's little sister." Qrow said surprising Weiss.
"You know Winter?" Weiss questioned.
"You mean the uptight girl with white hair who works under Ironwood? Yeah, I do. And to answer your question, I saved this dead beat from a group of Ursai in the Emerald Forest."
"Who are you calling dead beat, drunk bum?" Jaune said.
"Who do you think?" Qrow said with a grin as he flicked Jaune's forehead.
"Well I can see who helped with Jaune's personality, but why were you interested in Jaune?"
"Personally I just help, then leave, but the kid asked me to get him stronger. Being the Good Samaritan that I am, I decided from the bottom of my heart that I'd help him to become more than a novice." Qrow said with a smile and his eyes closed with a hand over his heart.
"Was that before or after helping you in girl hunting?" Jaune questioned with a smirk. Qrow then put him in a headlock and started giving him a noogie. "Ow! Hey! Quit it geezer!"
"Learn to respect your teachers, toddler." Qrow said with a grin as he continued on. Yang and Ruby laughed at their uncle's antics with the others giggling and grinning. "Well, it was nice to stop by, but I'm off. Don't forget what I taught you kid." Qrow said.
"Depends, are we talking Grimm hunting or how to charm a woman into paying for your drinks?" Jaune questioned with a grin. Qrow laughed as he let Jaune go. "Catch you later twerp." Qrow said giving Jaune a fist bump.
"Later howler." Jaune said with a smirk.
"You think I look bad, check yourself in the mirror." Qrow said with a grin.
"Later uncle Qrow." Yang said as she was about to hug her uncle again, but he stopped her and went for a fist bump. Yang just shrugged and bumped his fist, hard, causing him to wave his hand to ease the pain. Suddenly Ruby tackled him into a hug.
"Visit more often!" Ruby exclaimed with a smile.
"I'll try." Qrow said with a smile. "Hey Jaune, keep a good eye on her, alright?" Qrow said pointing to Ruby.
"You know I will." Jaune said with a smile as he gave Qrow a double finger salute. Once Ruby and Qrow separated, Qrow leaped high into the air, transforming into a crow and flew off.
"Cool semblance." Jaune said with a smile looking up at crow Qrow.
"Yep." Ruby said with a smile as she watched her uncle fly off.
"Mm~, mine's better." Nora said.
"Qrow's still stronger." Jaune said as they all walked off.
"Let's see you say that when we graduate." Nora said with a smirk.
"So you endangered yourself in the Emerald Forest." Weiss stated.
"It was to get stronger." Jaune said shrugging.
"It was a foolish decision." Weiss said.
"Hey, I still put up a decent fight. And I used my head to create an avalanche to kill most of them." Jaune defended himself.
"Still foolish." Weiss said with her head held up high.
"What? Can't a good looking blonde put up a good fight and use their head?" Jaune questioned with his arms crossed.
"Well?" Yang questioned, joining Jaune's side of the argument to defend her fellow blonde. "We're not just pretty faces you know."
"I was not saying that. I was just merely saying Jaune in general is foolish." Weiss said.
"And that is why around here you are known as the Ice Queen." Jaune said as he and Yang high fived while Weiss glared at him.
!
It was nighttime. Jaune was in his PJs lifting his dumbbells. Despite the short period, he has been gaining muscle, but that's mainly thanks to his semblance. The best to describe it is that it's kind of like Nora's semblance, but works on a different source of energy.
Jaune was able to use twenty pounds, but at the rate he was going, he'll be able to lift more in a few days. Probably around twenty five to thirty.
"Hey Jaune, you think Cardin might try something tomorrow?" Nora asked, sitting cross legged on her bed, holding her feet as she was dressed in her PJs.
"What's tomorrow?" Jaune asked.
"Duh. Our field trip to Forever Fall." Nora answered. Jaune stared at the ground with narrowed eyes.
"Yep. He'll try something. Even when I promised to beat him down worse than his own mother ever could. That guy just never gives up." Jaune said shaking his head.
"Ugh~, he's the worst." Nora said as she fell back on her bed, kicking her legs up for a moment before then fell back down.
"I'm sure so long as we'll be on our guard, we can handle anything Cardin throws at us." Pyrrha said.
"How about some rapier wasps on your jelly covered body?" Jaune mumbled to himself.
"What?" Pyrrha asked.
"Nothing." Jaune said nonchalantly.
"I thought I heard jelly covered body." Nora said with a grin as she sat back up.
"Nora, keep your weird, weird fantasies to yourself." Jaune said.
"I didn't say anything. You're the one who said it." Nora said.
"Have that in writing?" Jaune questioned.
"I don't need it in writing, because I heard you." Nora argued with her bottom lip out and her fist to her hips.
"Pyrrha did you hear me say something?" Jaune asked.
"Um… no?" Pyrrha was confused on what was happening.
"See." Jaune said.
"She's confused! She doesn't even know what we're discussing." Nora said.
"Could you guys please go to bed? We need rest for tomorrow. The Forever Fall is filled with Grimm. I heard there are also some Ursa Majors inhabiting the area." Ren said lying on his bed.
"Oh~, maybe we'll get lucky and find a few." Nora said with a grin.
"We might only be lucky to find one." Jaune said as he put his weight down and started doing pushups. Pyrrha stared at Jaune. She was impressed by his change just by meeting Qrow, who she had heard is a well-known, strong huntsman. However she was staring at his body longer than necessary. Nora leaned her head close to Pyrrha making the red head looked to her to notice a teasing grin, making Pyrrha blush red with wide eyes as the Spartan quickly pulled the covers over herself making Nora giggle.
!
Jaune yawned as the class walked through the Forever Fall. It was definitely a beautiful place. It was red… like roses… Ruby's favorite flower.
'Man, I have too much of her on the brain.' Jaune thought. 'Eh, I was her husband. Who could blame me?'
"Here you go Jaune." Ruby said as she extended a jar to Jaune.
"Oh right, sap collecting." Jaune said as he took the jar from Ruby's grasp.
"Say, um, do want to, maybe… collect some sap with me?" Ruby asked with a hopeful smile and blush as she looked to the group with her foot twisting side to side. When she looked back up at Jaune, she saw him staring at something, or more like someone, as she turned to see Team CRDL with a box with the letter W on it. "Ugh… them." Ruby said with annoyance. Jaune then started walking over, but Ruby grabbed his arm. "Wait, where are you going?" Ruby asked with concern.
"I got to see what they're up to." Jaune said with a calm, yet firm look.
"Please no fighting~. You're always getting in trouble." Ruby said with worry.
"Everything will be fine." Jaune said to reassure her.
"Please promise me you won't fight unless necessary! No. Strictly absolutely necessary. Just dance around them like you did at the cafeteria." Ruby said. Jaune sighed, but smiled, happy that she was concerned for his sake.
"I promise." Jaune said with a smile.
"Swear it! Swear it on your heart!" Ruby ordered. Jaune rolled his eyes, retaining his smile, as he then placed a hand over his heart and raised the other hand.
"I, Jaune Arc, of the Arc family, so solemnly do swear that I will not fight unless strictly absolutely necessary, as to honor the great Ruby Rose's request she has laid upon me, and if I break this vow, let a Geist take my soul away and Ursai chew on my very corpse. So swear I Monty." Jaune recited an oath he was so used to giving Ruby whenever she wanted him to promise something.
"That's right!" Ruby exclaimed with a smile and victorious eye smiles and her fist out with her other fist against her hip. Jaune chuckled at the cute sight.
"I'll be back." Jaune said with a smile as he went to follow Team CRDL, but Ruby zipped to him, giving him one final hug, before leaving to help the others in collecting sap. Jaune smiled one last time before leaving.
Ruby sighed as she regrouped with her team.
"So, why isn't Casanova with you?" Yang asked.
"We saw team CRDL with a box and leaving, so Jaune decided to see what was up." Ruby said dejectedly.
"Ugh, he never learns." Yang said with annoyed, dull eyes.
"Who? Cardin or Jaune?" Weiss questioned with dull eyes.
"That's a good question." Blake said.
"Don't worry, I made Jaune swear on his life that he would not fight Cardin unless strictly absolutely necessary." Ruby said with closed eyes as she held her head high and a finger up.
"Oh really?" Weiss said.
"Yep. He swore with a hand over his heart and I quote, 'I, Jaune Arc, of the Arc family, so solemnly do swear that I will not fight unless strictly absolutely necessary, as to honor the great Ruby Rose's request she has laid upon me, and if I break this vow, let a Geist take my soul away and Ursai chew on my very corpse. So swear I Monty'. So now he won't fight unless he really has to." Ruby said, but then she noticed the looks of shock on her team's face. "What?" Ruby asked with a raised eyebrow. Suddenly Yang pulled her in a bone crushing hug.
"Oh~, I'm so proud of you my baby sister! You have him wrapped around your finger." Yang said as she pulled back a bit.
"What?" Ruby questioned with a red blush.
!
Team CRDL was up a hill looking down at Pyrrha, who was collecting sap from a tree.
"Um, Cardin… you know I don't want to question you, but… Jaune did say-"
"You think Jauney boy really would do something that horrible? Yeah right." Cardin said.
"Well he did slam your face right through the table." Russel mumbled.
"What was that?" Cardin questioned with narrowed eyes.
"Nothing. I'm just being a big wuss about what Jaune said." Russel said.
"Man up. Because of his nerd friend, we have new badass weapons, so we can take on him in a fight any day." Cardin said with a grin.
'I'll believe it when I see it.' Russel thought, still not liking the idea of crossing Jaune's words. After all, Jaune has proven to be a force Team CRDL together cannot handle; Cardin was just too stubborn to admit it.
"Give me the red sap." Cardin ordered. Dove handed the red sap to Cardin. Cardin grinned down at Pyrrha, raised the sap over his head, but suddenly something shot the jar, causing the red sap to cover Cardin's body. Cardin growled as he then turned around to see the guy he hated the most. "Jaune… Arc." Cardin growled with new anger and rage as he glared intensely at the blonde knight who had Silver Eye out.
"Now, now, Cardin, I thought I made it clear yesterday to leave my friends alone." Jaune said as he put Silver Eye away.
Cardin shook with pure anger as he then grabbed his mace that extended as the spikes on the end extended with a sphere in the middle of them glowing orange with some electricity coursing through it.
"You're… dead." Cardin growled.
!
Team JNPR had heard the gun shot close by them.
"Say um… you guys don't think that was related to…" Nora didn't finish as she had a feeling they all knew who fired that gun.
"Is Jaune here!?" They turned to see Team Ruby run up to them.
"No, he isn't." Pyrrha said with a frown.
"Sounds like he got into another fight with Cardin." Blake said.
"No. He couldn't have! He promised! He swore!" Ruby cried with new worry. Ruby then sped off with her semblance.
"Ruby!" Yang cried out.
!
Jaune slid back as he glared up at Cardin who was panting with rage. Cardin roared as he slammed his mace down, sending a large erupting stream of fire to charge at Jaune. Jaune jumped away, but then placed his hand firmly on the ground and bounced off as an orange blast sphere Cardin shot from his mace came flying.
Once Jaune landed again he glared up to see Cardin roaring as he swung at Jaune with his mace glowing orange and fiery as he swung at the blonde knight. Jaune spun around Cardin, but had to jump away from a pair of daggers Russel threw his way, but they suddenly started spinning back toward him, like boomerangs.
Jaune bent back low as they went over him. Cardin took the opportunity to jump and send a diving strike with his mace, but Jaune took out Excalibur shotgun and fired a powerful shot in one direction that sent himself flying from the force behind it, successfully avoiding Cardin's dive bomb, where his mace caused a fiery shockwave upon impact, also creating a crater.
Jaune rolled against the floor, but when he stood up, he was hit by a blast of a tornado coming from Dove's sword. Jaune fought against the raging winds, but suddenly Sky's halberd's edge glowed as then lightning shot from it and hit Jaune square in the chest plate, sending him flying. Jaune's feet skid against the floor as Jaune managed to stay on his feet. Glaring ahead, he noticed Cardin swing at Jaune. Jaune only had time to block, so he brought his arms up (Makunouchi Ippo style) and took the blunt fiery force of the attack, sending him flying into a tree.
Ruby managed to make it to see Jaune get sent flying, with the others arriving to see Jaune get back up.
Jaune growled as he gripped Excalibur tightly as it went into its full blade mode, scaring the RDL of Team CRDL, while Cardin's eyes narrowed. Ruby was worried about Jaune. She was gonna help, but Pyrrha grabbed her by the shoulder to hold her back. Ruby looked to the red head to see her shake her head. Ruby turned back to see Excalibur glowing from Jaune's rage.
'You swore.' Ruby thought.
Jaune glared angrily at Team CRDL, but he then remembered his promise. Looking to Excalibur, he sighed as he retracted the blade and put it away.
"Giving up already?" Cardin boasted.
"I made a promise to someone very special to me, and an Arc never breaks their word, especially to someone so important to them." Jaune said with a firm frown.
Ruby gasped with joy as she smiled at Jaune.
"Stupid." Cardin said.
"Chivalry." Jaune said. "You know, this is why you will never get a girlfriend."
"Why you son of a-" suddenly there was the sound of stomping making them turn to see an Ursa Major come behind Team CRDL, roaring with new hunger.
'Oh… I almost forgot about him.' Jaune thought as he stared at the giant bear Grimm.
"Ursa!" Russel screamed as he, Dove and Sky ran off.
"Cowards!" Cardin shouted.
Cardin turned over to the Ursa Major with a glare, but his mouth quivered a bit; he was nervous. Cardin roared as he fired anergy blasts at the Ursa, who blocked them, but had its fur and skin burnt. Now it was angry. The Ursa Major roared so loud, he forced everyone minus Jaune to cover their ears. The Ursa charged over and head-butted Cardin away. Cardin groaned as he tried getting up, but the Ursa Major, came, bit his leg and tossed him away. Cardin lost his grip on his mace, and hit a tree. Cardin groaned, but as he looked up, the Ursa Major roared as it was ready to claw at Cardin.
Cardin's eyes widened with fear. This was it. His end. As the claw came at him, Cardin immediately regretted the stupid idea of the prank since it led to this moment. However, the Ursa Major's arm got cut off, falling to the ground, turning into ash.
The Ursa Major roared with anger, but when it looked down to see the perpetrator, it immediately went silent as it saw the strong, and frightening glare Jaune gave it.
"Get." Jaune said with a firm tone. The Ursa Major took a few steps on its hind legs back, but then it turned and ran away the best it could on three legs.
Cardin stared at the retreating Ursa with shock, before looking to Jaune, who was glowing gold, but the glowing stopped as Jaune turned to Cardin and offered his hand to him. Cardin stared at Jaune for a moment, but then took his hand as the blonde helped him up.
"Jaune, that was…"
"Don't… attack my friends again, Cardin." Jaune said. Cardin remained silent as Jaune walked away, but he then came back with Cardin's mace in hand and extended it over to him. Cardin looked at the mace, then back at Jaune before taking it.
"Thanks." Cardin said.
"Now what in the world happened here?" They turned to see Glynda with the rest of Cardin's team. "I heard that there was an Ursa here, but with you two, I keep thinking that this was actually the result of a fight." Glynda said with her arms crossed.
"We actually had to take on it together. Then a few more Ursa came and, well… we got a little weapon happy." Jaune said as he gestured to the mess of the area.
"Together?" Glynda questioned with a raised eyebrow. Jaune nodded in confirmation. "… Alright then. Just finish the assignment. I'll give everyone fifteen minutes." Glynda said as he walked away.
Russel, Dove and Sky jogged over to their leader while Jaune walked away.
"You alright Cardin? We got Glynda to help, but it looked like you had it all taken care of." Russel said. Cardin looked at them, but then looked to Jaune who gave him a two fingered salute before walking over to his friends.
"Yay!" Ruby cheered as she sped up to Jaune with her semblance and hugged him. "I'm so proud of you!" Ruby said with a grin as Jaune smiled and hugged her back.
"You let Cardin off the hook?" Blake questioned.
"If he keeps getting in trouble, there won't be any good coming out of it. He'll leave things be. Trust me." Jaune said.
"Well, I have to say something that needs to be said." Yang said as she walked over. She put Jaune in a headlock. "That was the coolest thing ever! I didn't even know it was possible to scare an Ursa away!" Yang exclaimed with a grin as she gave Jaune a noogie.
"And an Ursa Major at that too." Ren added.
"Way to go Jaune! I guess you can join me on my training days." Yang said with grin.
"Okay. Let go."
"Say uncle."
Jaune then slipped out of her hold and put her arm behind her back.
"You say uncle." Jaune said with a smirk.
"Oh, you don't want to start something with me." Yang said with a smirk.
"Try me." Jaune said as he leaned closer with Yang getting out of the hold and leaning closer to him herself.
"Please don't start a fight." Weiss said as everyone laughed.
Cardin stared at them, more specifically Jaune.
How does someone who started off weak and socially inept like him get all this? He guessed it didn't matter, but… he felt a sense of… respect for him.
"Uh… Cardin." Russel spoke.
"Let's go." Cardin said as he walked away. His team just looked to one another and shrugged as they followed their leader.
!
The next day in Combat Class, our two favorite teams watched as Cardin fought against a student. His new modified mace was impressive, but then again it was made by Reebok. Cardin slammed his weapon onto the ground, creating a fiery shockwave, sending his opponent flying into the wall.
"Winner: Cardin Winchester." Glynda said.
Some people clapped for the fight more than Cardin, but then something shocked them. They wouldn't believe it if they weren't seeing it. Cardin Winchester was offering to help up his opponent.
The student looked to Cardin's hand in surprise.
"You gonna take it or do you wanna lay there?" Cardin said, getting annoyed by having all attention on him like this. The student stared at his hand and then took it, as Cardin helped him up.
"Did he actually just help someone up?" Yang whispered.
"Well… Jaune could change… I guess even people as infuriating as Cardin can as well." Weiss said.
Jaune smiled down at Cardin who headed out of the arena.
Guess things were changing for the better after all.
!
The next day, Jaune and Reebok decided to take a walk and see the preparations for the Vytal Festival.
"So, we're still talking about Cardin Winchester. The guy who gave me a black eye a few days ago, right?" Reebok questioned.
"Yep. I was just as shocked as you are. By the way, nice coat." Jaune said, complimenting Reeboks dark green long coat.
"Oh, thank you." Reebok said with a smile.
"And is that white case you're carrying what I think it is?" Jaune questioned.
"The Commander In Chief. My best weapon, finally finished." Reebok said lightly tapping the case. Suddenly Seymour flew out of the case.
"You ran Sir Alexander?" Seymour asked.
"No Seymour. Just showing Jaune the C.I.C." Reebok said.
"Understood sir." Seymour said, tilting forward as his way of bowing.
"I see it's also like a bullhead for Seymour." Jaune said.
"Yup. It's convenient for anything. In fact, how it works is that I have thing special chip inserted into my neeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee"
"Uh, Reebok?" Jaune looked to his friend who was staring at something with wide eyes. Jaune waved his hand in front of Reebok's face, but he was still in a trance. He looked to see someone he remembered from his old timeline. Although the last time he saw her, she was an arm. "Hey, it's Penny." Jaune said with a smile.
"That's Penny?" Reebok questioned with shocked wide eyes.
"Yep. Oh that's right, you never saw her in her synthetic android form, even in my timeline." Jaune said.
"She… she's so… pretty." Reebok said with a blush and smile.
"You do know she's an android, right?" Jaune said.
"Huh? Oh sure Jaune, we'll get there when we get there." Reebok said waving off what Jaune said. Jaune blinked at Reebok.
"I don't think he heard me." Jaune said to Seymour.
"I'm afraid he's in her clutches now, and she does not even know it." Seymour said as Jaune laughed.
"Stop!" The three then saw a blonde with a monkey tail running from some cops.
"Hey, it's Sun!" Jaune said with a smile. Sun managed to sprint pass Penny with the cops trying to catch up, but the monkey faunus ran down a corner and then climbed a building effortlessly. "So that's how he got away." Jaune said. Suddenly they heard impact making them turn to see Weiss had bumped into Penny, making her fall. "And that happened." Jaune said with half lidded eyes.
"Oh my gosh!" Reebok ran over.
"He got away." Weiss whined.
"Uh, Weiss." Yang pointed out the girl Weiss bumped into who only smile as Weiss back away.
"Oh, sorry." Weiss said.
"Salutations!" Penny greeted the group. Suddenly some skidded next to them, Penny in specific.
"Are you alright?" Reebok asked as he knelt down.
"Yes. Thank you for asking." Penny said with a smile.
"Allow me to help you up." Reebok said with his hand extended toward her with his other hand on his heart.
"Why thank you." Penny said with a smile as she grabbed Reeboks hand.
"Soft." Reebok whispered, but then he noticed the others staring at him. Reebok gulped as he quickly helped Penny to her feet, who remained erect the whole time as she was lifted up. "There. Are your systems functional?" Reebok asked with a smile, but then all the girls stared at him in surprise, while Penny's eyes were in shock. "I-I mean, that's what I like to call people's body and their conditions you know?" Reebok quickly said looking to the side.
"Yeah, he's a nerd." Jaune said as he walked over with Seymour flying by him.
"Jaune!" Ruby cheered as she sped over and hugged her blonde crush with a cheery smile.
"N-No I'm Not!" Reebok exclaimed, feeling embarrassed to be called a nerd in front of Penny.
"It is nice to meet your acquaintance. I am Seymour. Master Alexander created me as his personal helper." Seymour introduced himself with a bow.
"It is nice to be acquainted. I am Penny Polendina." Penny introduced herself with a curtsy.
"Seymour, remember I said you're my friend. You don't have to call me master." Reebok said.
"Sorry sir. Habits are difficult to get over, especially for automatons." Seymour said with a bow.
"You… consider him your friend… a creation of yours?" Penny questioned with surprise.
"Uh, yes. Seymour's always looking out for me and honestly, I can't imagine my life without him. He's one of my greatest friends along with Jaune here." Reebok said as he gestured over to the blonde knight. Jaune gave Penny a two fingered salute, with the enthusiastic teen giving a salute and grin in response.
"What's your full name?" Penny asked Reebok, making him blush that she was interested.
"Oh, um, my name is Alexander Hephaestus Willard. Although people call me Reebok. Don't know why though." Reebok introduced himself with a boy.
"Well it is nice to meet you Alexander." Penny said with a bow. Reebok blushed and smiled.
"Wow… no one's called me that in a long time. Well besides Seymour. Usually people go with Reebok." Reebok said as he rubbed the back of his head.
"But isn't Alexander your given name?" Penny asked.
"Yeah, it is, and it's nice to hear it." Reebok said with a smile.
"Then I am happy that you are happy." Penny said with a smile. Reebok stared at her with a wide smile and blush as he felt light on his feet.
"Love at first sight." Jaune whispered to Ruby who giggled.
"We're leaving." Weiss said.
"Aw~." Ruby whined. She just bumped into Jaune and they already have to say goodbye. Jaune was in the same boat as her.
"I'll catch you later." Jaune said with a smile. Ruby then hugged him as he hugged her back.
"Bye Jaune. Bye Reebok, Seymour, Penny." Ruby said.
"Farewell." Penny said with a smile as she and Reebok waved at her.
"See ya friends." Ruby said as she followed her team. Reebok then noticed Penny's surprise expression.
"Are you alright?" Reebok asked, but then Penny sped away faster than the eye could see. "Whoa." Reebok said with wide eyes. He then heard the other girls yelp making him, Jaune and Seymour turn to see Penny was in front of them.
"What did you call me?" Penny asked.
"Oh, sorry, I didn't think you heard me." Yang said while Weiss turned back to where she stood then looked back at her with confusion and shock.
"Not you." Penny then walked up to Ruby, leaning to her, making the Reaper lean back in surprise as her personal space was invaded. "You."
"Me?" Ruby squeaked, feeling uncomfortable. "Um, I don't know, I, uh…"
"You called me friend. Am I really your friend?" Penny asked with hope.
"Uh..." Ruby looked to her team who were shaking their head and waving their hands for her to answer 'no', but then she looked back to Jaune and Reebok who smiled and gave a thumbs up as their answer. "Yeah, sure. Why not?" Ruby said with a smile, trusting Jaune's intuition. Her team fell to the floor comically at her response.
"She chose to listen to her love instead of logic." Weiss muttered.
"Sensational!" Penny cheered as Team RWBY stood back up. "We could paint our nails, try on clothes and talk about cute boys, like your boyfriend over there." Penny said making Jaune and Ruby's eyes widen as they blushed, while Reebok and Yang giggled at her choice of words.
"Oh~, was this what is was like when you met me?" Ruby asked Weiss, as the heiress was dusting off the dirt from her clothing.
"No. She seems far more coordinated." Weiss said.
"So~, what are you doing here in Vale?" Yang asked.
"I'm here to fight in the tournament." Penny answered.
"Wait… you're fighting in the tournament?" Weiss questioned.
"I'm combat ready!" Penny said with a salute.
"Forgive me, but… you hardly look the part." Weiss said.
"Says the girl wearing a dress." Blake said with her arms crossed.
"It's a combat skirt." Weiss corrected with her arms crossed.
"Yeah." Ruby agreed, sliding next to Weiss as they low fived each other.
"Wait a minute. If you're here for the tournament, does that mean you know that monkey tailed… rapscallion?" Weiss asked.
"Oh boy." Jaune said with a frown.
"Were you girls chasing him?" Reebok asked.
"Yep." Ruby answered.
"Why?"
"Weiss wanted to meet the newcomers so she could find some things out to use against them in the tournament." Yang explained.
"Wow that's… low." Reebok said, but then Weiss turned her head to him as she glared at him and growled. Reebok, in fear of the heiress, hid behind Jaune.
"Don't worry. She scares us all so you are not alone." Jaune said, patting Reebok's head.
"Ignore them. Answer me." Weiss said.
"Who are you talking about exactly?" Penny asked.
"The filthy faunus from the boat!" Weiss said as she brought up a crude doodle of Sun.
"Why do you keep saying that!?" Blake shouted.
"Huh?"
"Stop calling him a rapscallion! Stop calling him a degenerate! He's a person!" Blake exclaimed making her way over.
"Oh, I'm sorry. Would you like me to stop referring to the trashcan a trashcan? Or this lamp post as a lamp post?" Weiss questioned sarcastically.
"I think we should leave before things get ugly." Jaune said.
"Agreed." Reebok said.
"We'll see you girls later." Jaune said as he and Reebok headed out with Seymour flying by.
"Bye Jaune!" Ruby exclaimed as she waved goodbye.
"Lucky jerks." Yang muttered.
"Goodbye Jaune. Goodbye Alexander." Penny said goodbye with a wave. Reebok immediately stopped causing Jaune and Seymour to stop and looked to him to see him blushing red. Reebok gulped as he felt his cheeks heat up, but then his eyes became hard as his fist shook with determination. Reebok then turned and ran back toward Penny at high speed, stopping right in front of her, surprising Penny, Ruby and Yang.
"Can I please have your number!?" Reebok exclaimed earning all of the girls' attention, and shocking Penny, same with Jaune and Seymour.
"Damn… guy's got more guts than he lets on." Jaune said, earning a nod from Seymour, which seemed like a quick tilt down then up.
"Oh, I would, but I don't own a scroll." Penny said.
"Oh." Reebok said with his head hanging dejected.
"You don't?" Ruby questioned.
"My father says it would be pointless for me to have one." Penny said.
"That's… weird." Yang said, seeing no logic in that.
"But I'll still be in town for a while, so I hope to see you again Alexander." Penny said with a smile. Reebok looked to her in shock, seeing that her smile was genuine, making him smile.
"Okay. Great. Maybe we could do something next time we meet." Reebok said with a wide happy smile.
"You mean you wish to spend time with me? You wish to become my friend?" Penny asked with shock.
"Well… I'd like to be…" Reebok then gulped as his whole face turned red. "Y-yes! I'd like to be friends!" Reebok said quickly as he stared into Penny's eyes. Jaune grinned while Penny, Ruby and Yang stared at Reebok with shock, the latter two knowing what was with Reebok while Penny was oblivious to his attraction to her.
"Sensational!" Penny cheered as she then hugged Reebok. Reebok's face glowed red as his body wiggled from the sensation of Penny hugging him. He knew she was a synthetic life form, but he didn't care. He really likes Penny, despite just meeting her.
"Aw~." Ruby said with a smile while Yang grinned cheekily.
"Don't get too excited." Yang teased as Ruby elbowed her.
"Yang, you're going to make him pass out." Ruby whispered.
"You are so ignorant!" Blake shouted.
"How dare you!" Weiss shouted.
"They're still going at it?" Jaune questioned with surprise.
"I think we should go." Yang said with a frown.
"Where are we going?" Penny asked as she popped up next to Ruby, allowing Reebok to fall to the floor. Jaune sighed as he shook his head, then helped Reebok to his feet.
"We'll see you girls later." Jaune said as he supported a woozy Reebok from falling to the floor.
"B-B-Bye, Penny~." Reebok said with a smitten smile and dreamy eyes as he weakly waved goodbye to the android who returned one of her own with a normal smile.
"He was nice." Penny said as Yang and Ruby looked to each other, surprise at how oblivious Penny was to Reebok's sudden attraction to her.
"You gonna be alright?" Jaune asked a dazed Reebok.
"Yeah… I'll be fine." Reebok answered with his smitten expression never leaving.
"We better go find a place to sit so you can cool down." Jaune said with a smile, but then he stopped making Reebok and Seymour look to him to see him staring up which they followed his line of sight to see the monkey faunus hanging from a light pole from his tail. "Ditched the cops, huh?" Juane said.
"They were easy. I was more worried about the girl in the skirt and white hair." Sun said with his arms crossed and a smile.
"You should be. She's kind of tenacious." Jaune said.
"I can see that." Sun said with a toothy grin.
"So what'd you do to piss the cops off?" Reebok asked. Sun's tail loosened its grip as the monkey faunus flipped down to the floor and landed in front of them.
"Nothing. Just borrowing a ride on a boat." Sun said.
"Stowaway, huh? Wouldn't it be easier to get on a ship legally?" Reebok questioned.
"Yeah, but where would the fun in that be?" Sun said with a shrug and grin.
"I hear ya." Jaune said with a smile.
"He's just like you Jaune." Reebok said.
"Hey, I get where he's coming from, but I'm not like that. Yang on the other hand-"
"Hi Yang." Reebok said as he turned his head back.
"What!?" Jaune exclaimed with worry as he turned around only to see no one there. Reebok laughed as Jaune dully glared at him, but then let him go, letting him fall.
"Not cool." Reebok said as Jaune smirked. Sun laughed at the two's antics.
"Oh man, you two are a riot!" Sun said as he hunched over a bit. "By the way, the name's Sun. Sun Wukong." Sun introduced himself with his hand extended.
"Jaune Arc." Jaune introduced himself as he shook Sun's hand.
"I'm Alexander Hephaestus Willard. People call me Reebok though. Don't know why." Reebok introduced himself with a finger up. "And that little robot helper levitating by us is Seymour, my personal helper." Reebok introduced Seymour, pointing to the little bot.
"A pleasure to meet you." Seymour said with a bow.
"Cool, a flying saucer! Neptune would love you." Sun said with a smile. "Hey, you guys wanna get some pizza and sodas?"
"I'm down." Jaune said.
"Same here. Both literally and metaphoric." Reebok said with his finger pointed up.
!
The three were sitting on a bench with a fresh slice in one hand and soda in another, while Seymour hovered next to Reebok, although Sun was crouching on the back rest of the bench. The Commander In Chief was leaning on the side next to Reebok.
"So you are fighting in the tournament." Jaune said.
"Yep. I'm the first of my team to come here. They wanted to wait until a vacant boat could bring them here, but I was too pumped to wait, so I hitched a ride." Sun said with a grin as he bit into his pizza.
"What's your team named?" Reebok asked.
"We're called, Team SSSN. Spelled with three S's and an N."
"Clever." Jaune said.
"You guys?"
"Well team is called JNPR. I'm the leader." Jaune said.
"And what about you Ree-man?" Sun asked with a smile.
"Great, a new nickname. At least I know how I got this one." Reebok said with a smile. "Anyway, I'm not sure about my team. My team is called REDR. R-E-D-R. Although they're tough, I don't think I could help at all. I don't even think my team thinks I could handle a real fight." Reebok said with a frown.
'So that's it. They didn't enter last time because of Reebok. He doesn't believe in himself, yet he made the mother of all weapons and is an ace in weaponry. He probably thinks less of himself because of his record in Combat Class.' Jaune thought, but then his eyes became determined 'I won't have it!'
"Dude, you shouldn't think little of yourself." Sun said.
"Sun's right. You're a genius and you made the Commander In Chief." Jaune said, referring to the long white case leaning against the bench next to Reebok. "That thing can literally change into any kind of weapon. Sniper, Grenade launcher, Bazooka."
"It can even convert into a jetpack." Seymour added.
"No… way… dude that is awesome! I wish I had something like that. Although Ruyi Bang and Jingu Bang are wicked in their own right." Sun said with a smirk as he patted his nunchaku that was tied to his belt.
"Reebok… if you want people to respect you, the respect and even praise that you deserve, you have to show people you can take a stand. Enter the tournament." Jaune said with a serious tone and expression.
"But… I'm not that skilled." Reebok said.
"Seymour?" Jaune asked the flying bot.
"He's talking crap." Seymour answered.
"Seymour!" Reebok shouted.
"Sir Alexander, I have seen you use the Commander In Chief and even sir Jaune would have trouble facing you, even with Excalibur in hand." Seymour said.
"See! Even Seymour agrees and he doesn't lie when it comes to your skill." Jaune said with a smile.
"Yeah, machines never lie." Sun said with a grin.
"Well, I would lie to protect Sir Alexander, but in this case, I speak truth. By my estimation, he can defeat a whole horde of Grimm on his own without breaking a sweat. Unless he guess nervous of course, but in skill wise, he's impressive." Seymour explained.
"Can't beat numbers." Sun said.
"Reebok. Enter the tournament. Seymour, Sun and I believe in you, so please return the favor by believing in yourself." Jaune said with a calm, confident yet caring tone.
Reebok stared at the ground for a moment, before looking at the three with him.
"You all… really believe in me that much?" Reebok asked.
"I'd be stupid not to." Jaune said with a smile.
"I've taken a lot of chance, risky ones too, and this one is no different, but it's worth it." Sun said with a smile.
"You can do much more than you think Sir Alexander. I know deep down in this soul that you gave me." Seymour said as he glowed green.
Reebok looked to them with slightly wide eyes, before smiling.
"Alright. I'll enter, and I'll meet you in the finals Jaune." Reebok said with a new confident smile.
"You better polish on those skills, because I'm gonna work my butt off to match you." Jaune said with a smirk and pointing at Reebok.
"I'll look forward to it." Reebok said with a grin and his fist up.
"I'll see you both there too. Although you'll be getting a major beating by yours truly." Sun said with a smirk and his thumb jabbed to his chest.
"My ass! You haven't seen Excalibur in action!" Jaune shouted.
"Well the same can be said with you and my Ruyi and Jingu Bang." Sun said back.
"… Touché." Jaune admitted.
"And like that I take first victory." Sun said with a cocky smirk.
"Wait a few months. I'd like to see you still smirking after the tournament." Jaune said.
"Oh you'll see it… all over the internet." Sun said with a smirk.
"Sting." Reebok said with a smile and giggle.
"More like burn." Sun said with a grin.
"You're both a pair of jackasses." Jaune said shaking his head with a smile as he took a bite of his pizza.
"Anyone desire music?" Seymour asked.
"I could go for a tune." Sun said.
Suddenly Seymour started playing a tune.
"Oh no way! Jeff William's Not Fall in Love with You! I love this song!" Jaune cheered with a grin.
"Ah yes! I knew there were others!" Sun said with a grin as he and Jaune high fived.
Jaune then started to sing the lyrics.
(Best to listen to this song or skip this part.)
Jaune - You are my star
You are the one
You make me smile when the world's come undone
You are the one who sweeps me off my feet~.
Yeah~.
Sun - You totally rock
You're crazy and cool
Everything's all that I love about you
Reebok - Girl of my dreams you would make my life complete~
Together – Oh, but you're a distant dream to me~!
Then I know and I know, yeah I know that you're out of my~
Oh~, you're out of my league
How could it ever be? ~~
What am I supposed to do? ~
Just sit here and not fall in love with you? ~
Can I do anything to conceal it?
Can I lock up my heart and not feel it?
Try to hide from the fact
That there's no turning back
I'm in love~~
Jaune couldn't help but love this song. It's one of the two songs that makes reminds him of Ruby. How he fell in love with her. Hell, he remembered that Sun felt the same way about Blake when it comes to this song. Guess there was a reason why this song is so popular.
Together – You leave me weak
You make me strong
All that I need is to know I'm not wrong
If love is blind how do I make you see~~ me? ~
Jaune - You're my PYT
My Cherie Amour
"Sing it!" Sun exclaimed.
Jaune – One look at you and my heart starts to soar
No other girl could compete with your esprit ~
Sun and Reebok – Oh and if your heart would just agree~
Together – And I know and I know and I know that I can be
Oh I could believe!
Jaune and Reebok - You're all that I ever need~~
Together – What am I supposed to do? ~
Just sit here and not fall in love with you? ~
Can I do anything to conceal it?
Sun - No!
Can I lock up my heart and not feel it?
Reebok – Heck No!
Try to hide from the fact
That there's no turning back
I'm in love~
Jaune and Reebok – And like the autumn leaves
I just can't help myself…
I'm falling there's no doubt…
It's you and no one else.
Reebok - Is there any~ chance
For this dream romance?
Should I just give up?
Jaune and Reebok - What's a fool to do?
Could you fall for me~
Like I fell for you? ~
Jaune slap Reebok on the back and gave him a supportive smile that Reebok couldn't help but smile back at. Sun just couldn't stop grinning.
Jaune – What am I supposed to do? ~
Together – Just sit here and not fall in love with you? ~
Sun – Oh~, how could I not fall in love with you?
Jaune – Can I do anything to conceal it?
Sun and Reebok – No!
Jaune – Can I lock up my heart and not feel it?
Sun and Reebok – Heck No!
Jaune – Try to hide from the fact
That there's no turning back
I'm in love~~
Sun – I'm in love!
I'm in love!
Together – What am I supposed to do? ~
Just sit back and not fall in love with you? ~
Reebok – How could I not fall in love with you?
Can I do anything to conceal it?
No!
Can I lock up my heart and not feel it?
Heck No!
Try to hide from the fact
That there's no turning back
I'm in love~~~~
Suddenly there was cheering and clapping, surprising the three as they noticed people cheering for them.
"Huh… I guess we were that good." Sun said with a shrug, looking to the two.
'I only remember having these sort of cheers after getting drunk and singing.' Jaune thought as the people went back to their normal activities.
"I very much liked your performance." They turned to see Penny.
"P-P-P-Penny!" Reebok exclaimed her name with shock. "I-I-I…" Reebok then hid his face behind his pizza.
"Smooth~." Sun said with a smirk.
"Shut up." Reebok said with embarrassment as his face blushed red.
Suddenly there was the sound of a high pitch sound of excitement as Jaune was tackled into a hug by Ruby.
"Hello, where did you come from?" Jaune said with a smile.
"Across the street." Ruby said with a smile.
"Ah ha!" They turned to see the rest of Team RWBY making their way to them. "Finally caught you!" Weiss said pointing at Sun.
"You forgot to say riff-raff." Sun said with a smirk.
"Wha- you! You told him, didn't you?" Weiss shouted as she pointed at Jaune.
"You insulted him and I felt he deserved to know." Jaune said with a stern look.
Blake smiled and crossed her arms. She was happy that Jaune actually had the decency to look after others, no matter who or what they are.
"So Jaune told me you were after me. What for?" Sun asked with a smile.
"Um…" Weiss stared silently.
"You actually didn't think you'd get this far, did you?" Jaune asked with a humorous smile.
"I demand you tell me your skill set!" Weiss ordered.
Jaune and Sun looked to each other before bursting out laughing, confusing the others, but Reebok who giggled.
"This guy wasn't afraid to run from the cops and from what he said, throw a banana peel in one of their faces! You really think he'd answer to you?" Jaune said as he and Sun continued laughing as Weiss burned red with anger and embarrassment.
"He does have a point." Yang said as she giggled while Blake smiled, earning a glare from the Schnee.
"I'm gonna head out before things get ugly." Sun said as he got off the bench's back rest. "Later Jaune, Reebok." Sun said as he fist bumped Jaune and Reebok's fists.
"Don't be a stranger." Reebok said with a smile.
"I'll do my best." Sun said with a shrug as he then walked away, but not before winking at Blake, who blinked in surprise.
"Wha… wait! After him!" Weiss ordered, but no one followed her order.
"You're free to go on yourself." Jaune said with a wave and his chin rested on his hand.
"Oh you would want that, wouldn't you?" Weiss said narrowing her eyes at him. Jaune just shrugged and smiled. "What did he tell you?"
"Only that his team name is SSSN, three S's, and that he loves Jeff Williams." Jaune said nonchalantly.
"We have to catch him." Weiss said.
"No! That is enough! Why won't you leave him be!?" Blake argued.
"Would you!? He broke the law!"
"And we're back to this." Jaune and Yang said in unison. The blondes looked at one another while Ruby and Reebok looked surprised and weirded out.
"Weird." Ruby said.
"How was it weird?" Penny asked.
"People consider being on the same wave length simultaneously to be odd seeing as our minds are the only ones we hear." Reebok explained.
"Oh. Thank you Alexander." Penny said with a smile. Reebok chuckled nervously as his cheeks blushed red and his smile was timid. Ruby, Yang and Jaune stared at the two arguing for a few more minutes.
"How long will they go at it?" Jaune questioned.
.
.
Jaune laid on his bed with his hands behind his head as he could still hear Blake and Weiss' arguing from across the room.
"That long… and still going." Jaune said with a frown. "Welp." Jaune got out of bed and grabbed Crocea Mors. "Might as well train." Jaune said as he left the room. Jaune walked down the hall, but then he heard a door opening making him turn to see Blake walk down the hall. "Hey Blake, you alright?" Jaune asked, but she passed by him. Jaune watched he walk away with a sad frown.
.
.
Blake walked toward the school's fountain, angry at what had happened, but then she frowned, feeling depressed. Blake then took off her bow to reveal her cat ear, silently sighing as she stared down at the bow. She then heard footsteps making her turn to see Jaune.
Jaune stared at her silently with a stoic expression, all the while Blake was afraid he'd reject her or call her a liar for hiding her ears. The area was silent as the two stared at each other.
"Honestly, I'm not surprised." Jaune said.
"What?" Blake questioned.
"You did fight Weiss tooth and nail for a faunus you never met before… plus Seymour, you know the little flying saucer, he pretty much scans everybody and told us about you." Jaune said.
"So are you…"
"No. Everyone has their secrets. Even people like Ozpin. It's not like you're a leader of a criminal organization." Jaune said.
"And how would you know that?" Blake questioned.
"You would have clocked Weiss this morning if you were." Jaune said with a shrug. Blake then giggled with a small smile. "There's a smile." Jaune said with a smile.
"… Why'd you come after me?" Blake asked.
"You look like you needed a friend." Jaune said. Blake had somber yet touched eyes as her lip quivered. Blake then hugged him, surprising the blonde.
"Thank you Jaune." Blake said as Jaune returned the hug. 'Now I see why Ruby loves you so much.'
"Huh… you know I knew she would look better without the bow." Jaune and Blake looked to see Sun.
"Hey monkey man, whatcha doin' here?" Jaune asked.
"Nothing. Just came, because I'm curious." Sun said with a shrug.
"I think he's talking to you." Jaune whispered to Blake.
"I'll deal with this." Blake said as she made her way to Sun. Jaune watched as the two spoke to one another. "Jaune… I'm going to spend some time with Sun, okay?" Blake said.
"I get it. Remember you still got me, Ruby and Yang if you need anything." Jaune said with a smile.
"I know. Thank you." Blake said with a smile. Jaune then left, heading for his and Pyrrha's favorite roof to train, leaving Blake in the care of Sun.
'She'll be fine.' Jaune thought.
.
.
Jaune walked down the hall, but when he was passing by he heard the door open up.
"Jaune." Juane turned to see Ruby. "Did you… did you see Blake?" Ruby asked with concern.
"She'll be fine. I caught up with her, and talked it out. She feels a little better, but now she needs some time." Jaune said as Yang joined.
"So you left her alone!?" Yang exclaimed.
"I never said that. She wanted to spend time with someone else, talk things that I have nothing to do with. She'll be fine. If she doesn't come back, we'll look for her in the morning, but for now, let her relax with a friend." Jaune said calmly. Yang sighed as she walked up to Jaune and lightly punched him in the arm.
"Thanks for looking out for her." Yang said with a smile.
"No problem. That's what friends do. No matter what happens, a friend should be willing to accept and support." Jaune said.
"Yeah…" Ruby walked up to Ruby and hugged Jaune. "Thank you Jaune." Ruby said with a smile.
"Anytime." Jaune said with a smile as he hugged Ruby back.
All the while Weiss heard what they said as frowned.
.
.
Jaune and Reebok were walking through the city once again, talking. Reebok carrying The Commander In Chief in hand.
"So tonight there's going to be a raid from Torchwick and the White Fang, huh?" Reebok questioned.
"That's what Ruby told me." Jaune said with his hands in his pockets.
"This Ruby or…" Reebok couldn't finish that sentence.
"Blake will be there. Right now we need to talk about more important things. With the Vytal tournament coming, Beacon is going to be a haven for Grimm, unless we do something. I've been thinking about this and what we need are strong numbers." Jaune said.
"And how do we attain them?" Reebok asked.
"How good are you at building armed forces?" Jaune asked.
"I'm already thinking some blueprints now. However I don't know how good they'll be against a large quantity of Grimm. I'm confident, but I'm not that confident Jaune." Reebok said.
"You gave a bit of your aura to Seymour, right?" Jaune asked.
"Yeah. That was the final touch." Reebok said.
"Then how about I give some of my aura. My semblance is feared by Grimm."
"That strong? What kind of semblance do you have?" Reebok questioned with shock.
"I call it Arc Light. Even among huntsman it's unique. I remember Ironwood wanted to weaponize it." Jaune said with a smirk.
"That strong?" Reebok questioned with shocked eyes.
"With one touch, a Grimm would be completely vaporized." Jaune said.
"Jaune, that's… that's amazing!" Reebok exclaimed with pure shock.
"Crazy, right?" Jaune said.
"But, how? I mean… what kind of semblance is it? I've never heard of such a semblance? How does it work?" Reebok questioned.
"It's actually quite surprising, even to me despite having it for nearly two decades. It-"
"Jaune!" The two turned to see the RWY of Team Ruby. "Have you seen Blake anywhere?" Ruby asked.
"No. She didn't come back, huh?" Jaune said.
"Who didn't?" Penny asked popping up behind Jaune.
"Whoa, what the!?" Jaune jumped, startled by Penny's unexpected arrival. "Jeez woman, you're gonna kill me."
"No I wasn't." Penny said.
"Uh, eh, uh…" Reebok was tongue tied at seeing Penny.
"Hello Alexander, great to see you again." Penny said with a smile.
"Uh… see you, too." Reebok said as his cheeks got hotter.
"What are you all up to?" Penny asked.
"We're looking for our friend Blake." Yang said.
"Oh~, you mean the faunus girl." Penny said.
"That's the one." Jaune said.
"Wait… how did you both know that?" Ruby asked, getting suspicious.
"Uh, the cat ears." Penny answered.
"Seymour scans everyone and told us." Jaune said.
"Okay, the flying saucer I get, but what cat ears? She wears a… bow…" Yang said as the rest of Team RWBY realized what Penny meant as a tumble weed rustled by.
"She does like tuna a lot." Ruby said.
"Where did that tumble weed come from?" Reebok questioned.
"So, where is she?" Penny asked.
"We don't know. She's been missing since Friday." Ruby said.
"That's terrible!" Penny said as she grabbed Ruby's arms. "Well don't you worry Ruby my friend! I won't rest until we find your teammate." Penny said with a grin and her fists to her hips.
"Uh…" Ruby looked to Jaune.
"The more the merrier." Jaune said. Ruby then turned to Weiss and Yang, only to see they weren't there.
"S-S-So, um… how do we split up? Me and Penny form a team and you and Ruby go together?" Reebok asked as his cheeks turned red.
'Sneaky devil. Trying to end up with his crush. Although I wouldn't mind the team arrangements.' Jaune thought with a smile.
.
.
Jaune and Reebok were walking down the street, with the dark haired of the two pouting.
"Look if you wanted to go with Penny, you should have just spoken up." Jaune said.
"Well you wanted to go with Ruby." Reebok retorted.
"True, but I let her go so she could be closer with Penny. Penny was a good friend to Ruby and I want her to have a chance to have that friendship again. Besides, it wasn't up to me, you brought it up so you should have spoken up instead of letting Penny decide."
"Says the old man from another timeline." Reebok said with a pout.
"Exactly." Jaune said. Reebok then took out something from his long coat, earning Jaune's attention.
"What's that?" Jaune asked.
"It's a… it's a necklace… for Penny." Reebok said with a blush as he showed Jaune the necklace. It was silver with a long green glowing jewel that glowed a bit.
"Aw~, so that's for your girlfriend? ~" Jaune teased with a smile.
"Bite me." Reebok said with a dull glare.
"Why is the jewel glowing?" Jaune asked.
"I… I filled it with my aura." Reebok said with a red blush as he looked away.
"Seriously?" Jaune said with wide eyes.
"Well I did the same with Seymour." Reebok said. Seymour then came out of C.I.C.
"You called sir?" Seymour asked.
"Oh that's right. Say, I never got the chance to ask before, but when did you make him?" Jaune asked.
"About six years ago when I was eleven. I gave him my aura when I was finished assembling him." Reebok said.
'Holy hell, he's a bigger genius than I thought. He successfully made an artificial intelligence possessing aura before he even became a teenager. What Atlas would do to get their hands on him?' Jaune thought with amazement.
(I just edited this, 11/7/2016, 12:51, because a reviewer kindly told me a bit of a flaw here, but now it is fixed. Thank you zorro99.)
"Hey!" They turned to see Yang and Weiss. "Did you guys find Blake yet?" Yang asked.
"Nope." Reebok said, shaking his head.
"I'm guessing you guys have no luck as well." Jaune said.
"Sadly. I don't know about her, but I really want to find her." Yang said.
"I do want to find her. I'm just afraid of what she might say. The innocent don't run." Weiss said with her fists to her hips.
"But the scared do. And she had plenty of reasons to be afraid." Jaune said.
"And how would you know?" Weiss argued.
"Jeez, I don't know, maybe because you accused a faunus you didn't even know, who's a damn nice guy by the way, of being linked with the White Fang, even though he just did a small offense that Yang and myself would do." Jaune argued back.
"He's got you there." Yang said to the Schnee,
"It doesn't matter!" Weiss shouted.
"Oh right, I guess I shouldn't question a prideful, cold blooded Schnee who considers people like us her lesser, or more specific, bugs." Jaune said shocking everyone.
"Jaune!" Yang shouted.
"Oh~, you're entering some dangerous territory man." Reebok said.
"How… dare you! I am not such a vile person!" Weiss shouted.
"Oh I'm sorry, would you not like me to call the hydrate a hydrate? Or the book store a book store?" Jaune said, making the others realize his point.
"I know what you're doing. You're-"
"What? Point out what you are through the most known source when you hear Schnee, via your father?" Jaune said. Weiss opened her mouth, but then realization struck her, as she then looked down with shame. "Think about it." Jaune said as he turned to leave.
"She already is. That's enough." Yang said with a glare.
"I mean what she's going to say to Blake when we finally find her." Jaune said as he turned to them then walked away with Reebok and Seymour catching up to him.
Yang frowned as she looked to Weiss. Despite not wanting to see her sad, she knew what Jaune said had to have been said.
Jaune and Reebok walked down the streets with Seymour floating next to Reebok.
"So… what now?" Reebok asked.
"To the pier. If the White Fang are showing up wherever dust supplies are arriving to, then that huge shipment is where they'll be, and where Blake will confront them." Jaune said as the two and robot headed for the pier, but unknown to them, someone had listened to the tidbit.
.
.
Ruby and Penny were walking down the street, looking for Blake. Well they were actually talking… more like Ruby answering Penny's questions. She really wished she could have spoken up and went with Jaune.
"So… Blake is your friend?" Penny asked as Ruby sighed.
"Yes Penny." Ruby dully answered.
"And you are mad at her?"
"Yes… well I'm not, Weiss is."
"Is she friends with Blake?"
"Well that's kind of up in the air right now." Ruby said.
"But why?" Penny asked as Ruby sighed again.
"Well you see, Blake might not be who we thought she was." Ruby said. Penny gasped.
"Is she a man?"
"No, no Penny. She's… *sigh* I don't know what she is. She didn't exactly talk to us, before she ran off."
"I don't have a lot of friends, but if I did, I would want them to talk to me about things." Penny said.
"Me too." Ruby said. "Although… Jaune went to talk to her when she left."
"Is he friends with Blake?" Penny asked.
"Well… they never really… talked before… alone… but he did go after her to make her feel better. I wish I did the same, but… I'm happy that Jaune was there. Even though she wanted to go with Sun."
"The monkey faunus? Are they friends?"
"Well from the other day, it looks like it. I mean if Jaune trusts him, then I do too." Ruby said with a smile.
"You really like Jaune, don't you?" Penny asked.
"Yeah. He's the best." Ruby said as her smile widened.
"Are you his girlfriend?" Penny asked making Ruby blush red.
"What? Me? No~! We're, um… we're just friends." Ruby said with a frown.
"But… do you want to be his girlfriend?" Penny asked.
"Well… yes." Ruby said blushing as she twiddled with her fingers.
"Then why not ask him to be your boyfriend?"
"Well, because… it's not that easy Penny. I mean, Jaune was the first friend I made at Beacon, and I don't want to ruin the friendship by, well…"
"From what I've heard, all relationships between a boy and a girl start as friendships." Penny said.
"Well, yes, but Jaune is my best friend and-"
"So wouldn't that be better? If Jaune is your best friend, what do you have to fear? He will always be there for you either as a friend or as a boyfriend no matter what, right?" Penny said. Ruby then stopped walking as Penny stopped with her.
"Yeah… yeah, he would." Ruby said with a small smile.
"How is it like having a boyfriend?" Penny asked.
"I don't know… I never had one before." Ruby said.
"If I had boy who liked me, I wouldn't know what to do." Penny said.
"Well… I think Reebok likes you." Ruby said.
"You mean Alexander?" Penny asked with shock.
"Yeah. You know I think you're the only one who calls him by his real name. I think he likes that." Ruby said with a smile.
"What should I do if he likes me?" Penny asked as she leaned closer to Ruby making the dark haired girl lean back.
"I… I don't know."
.
.
Jaune, Reebok and Seymour were hiding in the shadows waiting for the White Fang to strike.
"Good idea stopping by that burger place and drug store to get some food and junk." Reebok said.
"I figured they wouldn't come here for a while." Jaune said.
"So what about Blake?" Rebook asked.
"Seymour?"
"She's atop the building right over there." Seymour answered Jaune's questioned as he created a holographic hand that pointed towards the building. "Wait… I also am detecting new faunus signatures coming this way via bullhead."
"They're here then." Jaune said as he grabbed the handle of the retracted Excalibur.
"You really think these guys are worth using Excalibur over?" Reebok asked.
"I want to end this quickly. Especially with Roman Torchwick arriving as well." Jaune said.
"Roman Torchwick is coming?" The three then jumped as they saw Penny behind them with Ruby.
"Jaune… how do you know this?" Ruby asked.
'Aw hell.' Jaune thought.
"Seymour found out." Reebok spoke up. "A while ago he picked up Blake's scroll signal and managed to find her."
"Yeah, she was with Sun and they were talking about the White Fang being here, so we discreetly followed." Jaune added.
"We got a little curious on the situation, so Seymour did some digging up through numerous scroll devices and found some conversation histories between the White Fang and spoke about Roman Torchwick showing up here tonight." Reebok said.
"That's amazing!" Ruby cheered with amazement.
"And illegal." Penny said making Reebok look away with shame. "But efficient. Well done." Penny said with a smile making Reebok smile.
"They're closing in. they will be here in fifteen seconds." Seymour said.
"Show time." Jaune said as he readied Excalibur.
The four got ready, but then Reebok extended an add on to Jaune.
"I forgot to give this to you with all the excitement happening lately." Reebok whispered. Jaune took the add on and observed it a bit.
"Plasma?" Jaune asked getting a nod from Reebok. "Alright." Jaune said with a grin.
Suddenly the bullhead arrived, opening up to reveal the White Fang.
"That's them alright." Reebok said. Ruby got out her Crescent Rose and was about to move in, but Jaune stopped her.
"Nobody make a move. We've got to be patient. Reebok… can the Commander In Chief transform into a sniper rifle?" Reebok grinned as his long white briefcase transformed into a white and silver sniper rifle. "Get ready. Wait for my signal." Jaune said.
"He's a really good leader." Penny whispered to Ruby.
"I know." Ruby whispered with a blush and smile.
"So what are we waiting for?" Penny asked.
"First Roman, then Blake. She might do something rash, so a long distance sneak attack will help her out in case things get to hairy. When Reebok opens fire, we jump in." Jaune said.
"Hey! What's the hold up!?" They all looked to see Roman Torchwick walk out of the bullhead. "We're not exactly the most inconspicuous bunch of thieves at the moment. So why don't you animals try to pick up the pace?"
'I forgot how annoying he was.' Jaune thought with dull eyes. 'Still, at least he's better than Tyrian. Stupid hyena laughing nut job.' Jaune thought remembering the crazy guy who came after Ruby when they were part of Team RNJR. Now that Jaune thought about it, will Team RNJR ever be assembled in this timeline?
'Focus Jaune.' C Ozpin said telepathically.
"I still don't understand. I thought the White Fang would never work with a human, especially Torchwick." Reebok said.
"Desperate times, or maybe something bigger." Jaune said.
"Bigger? You mean… Torchwick and the White Fang might be working for someone else?" Ruby asked.
"Would make sense. I could never see Torchwick or the White Fang working together willingly." Jaune said.
"No! You idiot! This isn't a leash!" Roman shouted at a White Fang member. Suddenly he was grabbed from behind with a katana to his neck. "What the? Oh for-"
"Nobody move!" Blake shouted as the White Fang aimed their weapons at her.
"Blake." Ruby said.
"Hold." Jaune said.
"Whoa ho~, take it easy there little lady." Roman said.
"Do I have to? Torchwick is so annoying. And this is the first time I've ever seen him." Reebok said with a frown.
Blake then took off her bow, revealing her cat ears.
"Brothers of the White Fang! Why are you aiding this scum!?" Blake exclaimed.
"Sheesh, I have feelings." Roman joked which earned him Blake's blade coming closer to his neck. Roman just chuckled. "Oh kid, didn't you get the memo?"
"What are you talking about?"
"The White Fang and I are going in on a joint business venture together."
"Tell me what it is or I'll put an end to your little operation." Blake threatened. Suddenly more bullheads arrived.
"I wouldn't exactly call it a little operation." Roman said.
"Now?" Reebok asked. Jaune stayed silent. Suddenly Torchwick aimed his cane down, close to Blake and fired, sending Blake flying back.
"Blake!" Ruby shouted with fear for her friend.
"Now!" Jaune shouted. Reebok shot all the White Fang members, knocking them out.
"What the-" suddenly Roman was shot in the head, but his aura protected him from death, but he still fell to the ground, unconscious.
"Jerk." Reebok said.
Ruby then ran off to help Blake with Penny following, and Sun appeared running towards Blake.
Jaune fully erected Excalibur, as the blade then glowed golden. Jaune then sent a slash that sent a blade of golden energy flying at one ship, hitting it as it then went coming down. Jaune and Reebok then rushed over with Reebok changing C.I.C. into a rocket launcher as he then fired a rocket at one of the thrusters of the other bullhead, bring it down as well.
"So I'm guessing these others are not your friends." Penny said as she joined them.
"No they are not!" Jaune said.
Some of the White Fang managed to jump out in time before the crash and went to fight, but suddenly an orange sphere of energy came hitting the ground they stood, sending a shockwave, which sent them all flying into cargo.
"What the?" Jaune questioned.
"I know that blast anywhere." Reebok said with shock.
Some of the White Fang got up, but one was then hit in the face by a mace, and then the mace created another sphere of energy from the tip and blast it at the others. The person who did this was none other than Cardin Winchester.
"Cardin!? What's he doing here!?" Jaune questioned with shock.
"Your guess is as good as mine." Reebok said.
"Is he your friend?" Penny asked.
Ruby ran to Blake's side and crouched down to help her up.
"Are you alright Blake?" Ruby asked.
"Ruby… what are you doing here?" Blake asked.
"Duh, I came because you're my friend. Plus I had some help." Ruby said gesturing to Jaune who joined them.
"You looked like you needed some friends." Jaune said with a smile and shrug. Blake smiled at Jaune.
"You still need this?" Sun asked as he crouched down and extended to Blake her bow.
"Thank you. All of you." Blake said as she took her bow and looked to everyone, but then she noticed Cardin. "What's he doing here?"
"I dunno, he just showed up." Jaune said with a shrug.
"I heard these two idiots talk about kicking some White Fang ass and I wanted to join." Cardin said.
"Of course." Blake said.
"Look out!" Sun shouted as a rocket sent by a new bullhead came their way, but a blast of energy hit it before it could come close.
"Looks like we made it just in time." They turned to see Yang with Weiss. "What's Cardin doing here?" Yang asked.
"They're all trying to hurt us, aren't they?" Penny asked, gesturing to the bullheads arriving on the scene above them.
"Yep." Jaune said.
"Then allow me to handle this." Penny said as her back opened up as swords came out and floated behind Penny.
"What?" Cardin questioned.
"And how?" Yang questioned.
"I'm combat ready." Penny answered.
The swords pointed to the sky as they all then spun around in a circle formation, as then a concentrated green blast of energy shot towards the bullheads, sending them down. One of the bullheads were trying to take a tank of dust away, but Penny's swords stabbed into it and brought it, crashing down.
"So is that it?" Weiss asked, but then a new bullhead showed up, but a blue sphere of blue energy shot at it, causing it to explode, but the White Fang inside managed to fall out and fall into the ocean. Everyone turned to see a giant pair of mechanical white arms were attached to Reebok's back with holes on the palms with one steaming out smoke from blasting the sphere.
"Now it's over." Reebok said with a smile as the arms transformed back into C.I.C.
"How can I get one of those?" Sun asked with a smile.
Roman moaned, as he picked up his head, holding the side of it as he felt his head being a bit dizzy, but he saw that all the White Fang were defeated, with the bullheads being destroyed and the do-gooders still standing. Roman growled as he glared at them, more specifically the red dressed young teen who was always there mucking up his schemes. Roman aimed his cane, Melodic Cudgel, as Ruby and was ready to fire.
Jaune noticed Roman aiming his weapon at Ruby. He instantly became furious, growling as his body burst with golden aura as he then instantly appeared in front of Roman, slashing Melodic Cudgel in half, and then aiming the tip of Excalibur to Roman's neck, shocking the crime boss and the others.
"What are you, Red's Knight in Shining Armor?" Roman joked as he glared at Jaune. Excalibur then changed into its shotgun form as the barrel of the gun glowed, readying a charged shot.
"Damn straight." Jaune said with a glare as he was about to release the trigger. Roman's eyes widened as he thought that this was it, but then he noticed high above.
Reebok noticed Roman's eyes looking up so he did so, only to look in pure shock and fear.
"Jaune! Above you!" Reebok shouted. Jaune then looked up, only for his heart to stop.
Above him was a large black ball of dark energy, forming something.
'No… no, it can't be.' Jaune thought with wide eyes. Suddenly it gave a small explosion, as a giant being came down towards Jaune and Roman. Jaune vanished via golden flash, while Roman screamed as he quickly crawled away, but then some blur grabbed him before a giant being slammed into the ground. Jaune skidded back as he looked up only for his eyes to widen in pure shock.
"Jaune… i-i-i-is that a…" Reebok was shivering with new fear.
"A Bloater." Jaune said with wide eyes.
The Bloater was a tall, giant monstrous Grimm, that had no legs, as it's body and arms was used to balance it up, kind of like a Walrus' body, but its arms were long with white long claws, and it had a long neck with the front of it being grey from its torso, to its neck all the way to its mouth, with a Grimm mask covering the top of its head, it also had sharp teeth.
The Bloater gave a roar which sounded like a loud brachiosaurus cry from that movie with the dinosaurs being used in a theme park.
(We all know I mean Jurassic Park, but with the World of RWBY using the name Spruce Willis to be the RWBY equivalent of Bruce Willis, I figured stray from using official names that aren't related to RWBY. The people who sing the albums are fair game.)
Cardin then flicked the side of Reebok's head.
"Hey nerd, Port may talk too much about himself in classes, but I don't ever recall hearing Bloater once in those classes." Cardin said.
"And that goes without question. Knowledge on Bloaters are reserved for late third year students and above! We're out of our league here!" Reebok shouted as he stared at the Grimm with fear.
"It doesn't look that tough. It kind of looks slow." Yang said.
"A Bloater's strength doesn't lie in its speed or weight. Its strength is its lungs." Reebok said with fear.
The Bloater's mouth then opened, with the bottom half expanded far down, creating a wide mouth hole.
"Everyone scatter!" Jaune screamed.
Suddenly with a loud wail, the Bloater then started sucking up a huge quantity of air, creating a vacuum, trying to suck up the young teens. The ones with bladed weaponry stabbed their weapons into the ground to stay in place. Unfortunately for those like Yang, Cardin, Reebok and Sun, they were being sucked in, but Blake managed to grab Sun's hand.
"Please don't let me go!" Sun cried.
Yang and Cardin screamed as they were being sucked in, but suddenly they were both grabbed by the hands as they all saw that Reebok was flying with a jetpack on his back.
"It can transform into a jetpack!? Awesome!" Yang cheered.
Reebok flew up to a large tank and landed on it. Yang immediately sent shotgun blast with Ember Celica while Cardin sent a sphere blast from the tip of his mace, but they didn't do anything to the Grimm.
"Don't bother. The Bloater's body is composed of strong muscles, so any attack on the outside will have no effect." Reebok said.
"Dammit!" Yang cursed.
Roman was tossed to the ground behind the Bloater and looked up see a young woman with brown hair, tied in a spike ponytail with spikey bangs over her forehead and emerald eyes. She wore a long dark coat, with a black shirt, belt, black gloves, cargo pants and boots.
"So who is my guardian angel of the day?" Roman joked.
"You have two choices. Either stay, or come with me." The girl said.
"Are you with 'her'?" Roman asked. The young woman just stared down at him, stoic and silent. "Shy, are you?" Roman said as he stood up. "Fine. Anywhere but here is perfect right now." Roman said.
Jaune gritted his teeth as he stared at the Bloater, but then he noticed Roman running off, but the young woman with him shocked him to the core. The girl stared at Jaune for a moment, making eye contact.
"You!" Jaune shouted. The young woman just walked away nonchalantly. 'How could this be!? She shouldn't- she can't- she… what's going on!?' Jaune thought with pure shock and confusion.
Suddenly Crescent Rose lost its hold on the ground, as then Ruby went flying.
"Ruby!" Weiss screamed out the red's name. Jaune's eyes widened as he saw Ruby fly pass him and towards the Bloater's mouth.
'No. Not like this!' Jaune thought with narrowed eyes and gritted teeth as his body then exploded with golden aura as a pair of golden wings came from his back. Jaune then flew towards Ruby, grabbing her bridal style as he then flew back towards the others. Everyone stared at the sight in shock. Ruby looked up at Jaune with wide sparkling eyes. He came and saved her again.
Like an angel knight.
Jaune panted as he felt beads of sweat down his brow.
"Penny! Catch!" Jaune shouted as he threw Ruby towards Penny, who managed to grab her and keep her in her hold to keep her from being sucked back towards the Grimm. Jaune stabbed Excalibur back into the ground as his aura vanished, but he panted, tired from using the burst of energy. Jaune was losing his grip, so he had to think quickly. "Weiss! I'm sorry." Jaune shouted.
"No Jaune! You were right to act that way before! I was being the fool! I judged others poorly, leading to a friend running away! I'm the one who should feel sorry!" Weiss shouted back.
"Not about that!" Jaune said as he took out Silver Eye. "I'm going to need to borrow some of your father's dust." Jaune said as he shot the lock of a tank filled with dust off, as dust came out, mainly fire, and started getting sucked into the Bloater's mouth. Jaune aime Silver Eye back at the Bloater, but it slipped from his grip. 'Dammit!' Jaune thought with gritted teeth. Jaune pulled Excalibur out of the ground, letting the vacuum take him. Jaune quickly changed Excalibur into shotgun mode and shot forward as the force sent him flying faster towards the Bloater's mouth, but he managed to grab Silver Eye, and turned the dial to orange. Jaune aimed Silver Eye towards the mouth of the Bloater as the dust continued going into its mouth. "Overdrive!" Jaune screamed as the barrel of Silver Eye glowed orange and then a large blast of orange energy rocketed towards the Bloater's mouth.
Once the Bloater sucked in the blast, it suddenly exploded, sending Jaune flying away and hitting the side of a tank filled with dust. Jaune groaned as he fell down to the ground.
"Jaune!" Ruby shouted the blonde's name as she got out of Penny's hold and ran towards the blonde knight. Jaune groaned as he felt his head throbbing, but his thoughts were plagued with the woman just a few moments ago.
'It doesn't make sense. Why was she here? The Black Arms doesn't form for years. What happened?' Jaune thought.
"Jaune!" Ruby exclaimed as she got down next to him. Jaune moaned as he sat up rubbing his head. "Are you alright?" Ruby asked as she grabbed his shoulder, keeping him sitting up.
"Yeah. Nothing a little aura can't fix." Jaune said as the others joined.
"That was awesome!" Yang cheered with a grin.
"That was the stupidest thing I have ever seen anyone done!" Weiss shouted.
"Yeah, but still awesome." Yang said. Ignoring the blonde female, Weiss walked to Jaune's side, knelt down and rested a hand on his other shoulder.
"Good work though." Weiss said with a smile.
"Thanks. It's not easy killing a Bloater." Jaune said.
"I heard that." Reebok said. They all then heard the sounds of sirens. "Well, the cops are finally here."
"About time. Where have they been this whole time?" Cardin complained with his arms crossed.
Jaune groaned as he got up to his feet, only to fall over, but Ruby caught him.
"Thanks." Jaune thanked the young reaper.
"Dude, what happened to you?" Sun asked.
"Seymour." Reebok spoke as the small bot floated next to Jaune and scanned him.
"Incredible! Your semblance has been forced to awaken!" Seymour said.
"You mean that angel thing was Jaune's semblance?" Sun questioned with shock.
"Yes, but in forcing it to activate it greatly fatigued Sir Jaune's body. His muscles have been torn some, his stamina low and his cells jittered a bit. Seems there was more power than your body could handle." Seymour said.
"I guess that's to be expected." Jaune said as he panted a bit with sweat coming off his brow.
"Freeze!" The cops came, aiming their guns at the teens.
"Calm down, we're not the enemy." Jaune said as he looked to the police.
"Put your hands in the air and get down on the ground now!"
"I SAID CALM DOWN!" Jaune shouted with a deadly glare and authority in his tone, causing the cops to flinch and have them be the ones who had their hands in the air. His fellow trainees looked to him in shock.
"Whoa~." Yang said.
"Someone explain what's going on. My heads throbbing so much I might lash out at these guys." Jaune said as he grabbed his head to ease the pain.
"Dude, you sound like an old man." Cardin said with his arms crossed. Jaune narrowed his eyes at Cardin with annoyance, unnerving him a bit. "Uh, I mean…"
"Quit while you're ahead." Yang said to Cardin.
"Allow me to explain. This is Schnee business after all." Weiss said.
!
The group were with the police, sitting on boxes with some standing up. Jaune groaned holding his head as he sat down on a box. Ruby placed her hand on his shoulder making him smile at her that she gladly returned.
"Jaune!" They turned to see the rest of Team JNPR ran over.
"Pyrrha?" Jaune spoke as the red headed warrior brought him into a tight hug. "Ow!" Jaune shouted.
"Oh, sorry." Pyrrha said as she separated from Jaune. "What happened to you?" Pyrrha asked with concern.
"You should have seen it! Jaune awoken his semblance and saved me!" Ruby exclaimed shocking Team JNPR, minus Jaune of course.
"You finally awoken your semblance?" Pyrrha asked breathelessly.
"Yeah. I'd show you, but I kind of forced it and my body can't take the blunt power just yet." Jaune said.
"No, that's fine!" Pyrrha exclaimed with a smile as she then kissed Jaune on the cheek, shocking the others as she then hugged him. "I'm so proud of you." Pyrrha said with a smile. Jaune smiled as well… he really was happy to have another chance to have Pyrrha with him again. He swore this time he was going to save his best friend. Although it still brought up the dilemma of both her and Ruby. Suddenly Ruby hugged him too, which shocked the others.
Ruby blushed with her eyes closed, hugging Jaune tightly. Just seeing Pyrrha hug Jaune like that just made her feel… jealous? The only time she felt jealous was when she saw a weapon that made Crescent Rose look… less special. Ruby hugged Jaune as tightly as she could, feeling like he could vanish somehow.
Jaune looked between the two with surprised blinking eyes. Two of the most important people in his life are hugging him. He then noticed Sun grinning and giving him a thumbs up while Yang was grinning and Cardin nodding and giving him a thumbs up.
Well that last one was surprising.
"So what are you even doing here?" Weiss questioned Cardin.
"I heard that there would be some faunus ass to kick. I didn't come to help Jaune." Cardin said as he then walked away. They all looked to the tall warriors retreating form.
"He's lying." Seymour said earning everyone's attention. "When people lie, their heartbeat increases a bit along with the circulation of their blood. I believe he was here to help Sir Jaune."
"Whoa, whoa, Cardin Winchester wanted to help Jaune Arc? That just sounds… wrong." Yang said.
Jaune watched Cardin's retreating form, surprised that Cardin actually wanted to help him.
Guess things really are changing drastically from what he experienced in his own timeline.
"Blake, I need to talk to you." Weiss said.
"Weiss, I'm not a part of the White Fang anymore. I once was, but not anymo-"
"Twelve hours. We have been searching for you for twelve hours, and in those twelve hours, I had a lot to think about this, along with a bit of some annoying help from an unnamed blonde."
"Here's a hint. It wasn't me." Yang whispered, but loud enough for the others to hear. Blake looked back to Jaune with a smile and shrugged.
"And I've realized that, I don't care. Whatever you were before, I don't care. I only care of who you are now. But I do care about these big things you go though. So if you ever have a problem, I expect you to come to your teammates first, instead of… somebody else." Weiss said as she looked to both Sun and Jaune.
"Of course. Thank you Weiss." Blake said with a smile.
"It's like a person, who will remain unnamed said, no matter what happens, a friend should be willing to accept and support." Weiss said.
Jaune chuckled a bit as Ruby grinned, remembering who originally spoke those words. After all, he is sitting next to her.
Reebok smiled at the scene, but then he noticed Penny's absence. He looked around to find her walking over to a hearse. Reebok ran after her.
"Penny!" Reebok called out making the teenage girl turn around to see him stop in front of her. "Where are you going?" Reebok asked.
"Uh. That is on a need to know basis person I have never met before." Penny said aloud. Reebok looked to the hearse behind her as he developed somber eyes.
"You're leaving us, aren't you?" Reebok asked. Penny's frown and eyes looking down to the side was all the answer he needed. "Will I ever see you again?" Reebok asked.
"I… I… I want to, but they…" Penny rubbed her arm.
"I… I want to see you again." Reebok said, surprising Penny. Reebok then reached into his long coat and took out the necklace he made for her and extended it to her. "I… I made this! For you!" Reebok said as he sweated a bit with his heart beating faster.
"For me?" Penny asked as she then took the necklace.
"I… I wanted to, um…" Reebok looked to the ground with a blush.
"Why is the jewel glowing?" Penny asked.
"I… I put in some of my aura inside it." Reebok said.
"You did? Why?" Penny asked.
"Well… whatever is important to me, I want there to be a piece of my soul within it, like Seymour." Reebok said.
"Seymour has your aura?" Penny questioned with shock, earning nod from Reebok. "So… this necklace is important to you?"
"Only because… I wanted you to have it." Reebok said as he looked to the side with a blush. Penny blinked in shock, but then she smiled as she suddenly hugged him, shocking the dark green haired teen.
"I'll treasure it forever." Penny said with a smile. Reebok's eyes widened as his face was red, but he managed to smile and hug her back. Once she separated from Reebok, she put on the necklace as it then glowed a little brighter for a second. "I hope we get to meet again Alexander." Penny said with a smile.
"I… I hope I get to see you again too… Penny." Reebok said with a smile and blush.
Penny nodded as she then turned back to the hearse and got in the back seat as the car then drove off. Reebok watched as the car drove off. He couldn't help, but wave goodbye. Penny smiled and waved back. She hopes she can see him again someday.
'I wonder… is this what they call… falling in love?' Reebok wondered to himself. He then felt a hand on his shoulder making him turn to see Jaune smiling at him, which he returned.
!
Roman growled as he slammed his fist onto the table. He managed to get back to one of his hideouts thanks to his new 'friend'.
The young woman was behind him with her arms crossed. Roman took a deep breath in through his nose and turned to her.
"So who might my little savior be?" Roman asked.
"I'm also curious." A voice spoke. They turned to see three new people walk into the hideout.
"Cinder Fall, I'm guess." The brunette said staring at the hazel eyed young woman.
"And how do you know my name?" Cinder questioned as her hand sparked flames.
"He told me." The young woman said pointing her thumb to behind Roman. They all turned to see two new young men walking out of the shadows.
One had silver hair with a long spikey pony tail, alabaster skin, and wearing clothes similar to the girl, but with fingerless black gloves.
The other was a very tall young man, probably still a teenager, seventeen at the most, had fair skin, black spiky shaggy hair with blue frosted tips at the end of the strands of his hair, and he had a scar over the right end of his right eye. He wore a long black long coat with grey lining down the zipper area, black pants, black long boots with steel toed finish, two silver belts tied diagonally around his waist and a black shirt with a white outline of a large cross on the front of the torso, along with black fingerless biker gloves. He also possessed a pitch black crystal attached to a necklace wrapped around his neck. His choice of weaponry was a sword that was a giant black blade, considered a broadsword, but seemed more like a hunk of iron.
"In case you're wondering, she's referring to me." The tall teen with the giant sword said with a smirk.
"Well, you look like you're compensating for something." Roman said with a smirk.
"Oh ho, you are a riot. Makes me contemplate whether to let that Griffon eat you or not." The tall teen said with his own smirk as he walked pass Roman.
"What? Wait a minute, what Griffon!?" Roman exclaimed.
"It's an honor to meet you, Cinder Fall." The tall teen said with a hand over his chest, an arm behind his back and a bow.
"Who are you?" Cinder asked, a bit wary of this man.
"My name is Vladimir Alucard. You can call me Vlad." Vlad said as he stood back up with a smug smile on his face.
!
Once getting back to Beacon, Jaune headed over to Ozpin's office to talk about the experience at the docks.
"You finally awoken your semblance. Congratulations." Ozpin said as he took a sip of his coffee.
"Thanks, but there's something that's freaked me out. Right before the Bloater popped up, a large black ball of energy was above me. It looked like… a power I've come to fear. And what made it worse was the girl who helped out Torchwick. She may have been younger, but I know for a fact who she is. Chary Corday. She's a high ranking member of the Black Arms from when I was still back in my timeline. She was one of two of Vlad's closest officers. The fact that she was there, when history dictated that I would never cross paths with her until after the downfall of Atlas. The Black Arms first and more devastating plan of attack." Jaune explained.
"That is troubling. It seems events are changing more drastically than anticipated." Ozpin said.
"You don't think… it has to do with me, do you?" Jaune asked, feeling a bit paranoid as he thought about the young woman.
"No. Things would not drastically change this much with just your presence alone. There must be an unforeseen element that has caused this new outcome. So far the best we can do is prepare for a new threat on the horizon." Ozpin said.
Jaune slammed his fists down onto Ozpin's desk, but luckily the elder man had his coffee off the table and up to his lips before Jaune shook his table.
"Dammit! And just like that I'm back to knowing nothing!" Jaune cursed.
"You know that's not true." Ozpin said.
"I know, but…" Jaune walked around a bit, before stopping and turning back to Ozpin. "I can't do this again Ozpin. C can't use time travel again for another hundred years, but besides that, I don't think I can survive losing everything again. I don't want to waste this chance." Jaune said as his eyes were tearing up.
"And you won't. I'll make sure of it. Along with Qrow and Glynda." Ozpin said as he stood up from his seat. Jaune sighed as he looked to the ground. Ozpin walked over to Jaune and rested his hand on the blonde's shoulder making him look to him. "Get some rest Jaune. We'll discuss this another time, but until then, enjoy the life you are making for yourself." Ozpin said.
"I… I'm worried." Jaune said with a frown.
"We all are, but we must not let ourselves become obsessed. I trust you understand." Ozpin said.
"Yeah. Benefits of being an old fart." Jaune said with a small joking smile and Ozpin chuckled.
"Goodnight Jaune." Ozpin said with a smile.
"Night Ozpin." Jaune said as he walked to the elevator, taking it down.
Ozpin sighed as he walked back to his desk, took out his larger scroll and text Qrow to come over for new word on the situation.
!
Jaune walked back to his dorm, but when he made it to the door, he stopped and stared at it. This whole time travel thing gave him some jitters at first, but he got used to it… sort of. Although now with the appearance of Chary. He couldn't help, but feel on edge.
Everyone from the Black Arms were dangerous in their own right and Chary was no different. There was only one person he knew who could always give her trouble, and luckily he had her as a close friend, but with both being young versions of the ones he knew… well he didn't know what'll transpire anymore.
Jaune took in a deep breath through his nose and out his mouth as he reach for the handle, but he froze before touching it.
Why was he so afraid?
Did he really think things were going to turn out worse than they've ever been because of the appearance of one random person from a time he left behind?
He just didn't know, but the fact that she was there made his blood ran cold.
She reminded him of that future he left behind. That… end to all things and people that he loved. All thanks to one man. That one man who assembled the troops and led the world to its downfall.
"Vlad." Jaune whispered.
"Hey Jaune." Jaune jumped as he turned to see Ruby in her pajamas.
"Oh, Ruby, uh… you look great." Jaune said. Ruby blushed as she rubbed her arm. Jaune blushed realizing the situation and his choice of words.
"So who's Vlad?" Ruby asked, trying to change the subject. Jaune sighed as he looked to the ground with a mad glare.
"Just a person I… wish I never met." Jaune said as he tightened his fist. Ruby stared at him with somber eyes.
"Want to talk about it?" Ruby asked.
(All Our Days by Casey Lee Williams.)
"Not much I want to lay on you." Jaune said with sad eyes as he rested his back against the wall and slid down, sitting on the floor. Ruby then sat down next to him.
"Try me." Ruby said. Jaune sighed.
"Ruby… have you ever felt that you were meant to fight one person in your life that would be different from any other?" Jaune asked.
"Mm~, nope." Ruby said.
"Figured not. It really isn't something people around here think of." Jaune said looking to the ground.
"… So I'm guessing Vlad is this, one person?" Ruby asked.
"Sadly." Jaune said as he remembered the man who was his greatest and most deadly opponent in his life in both timelines.
"What did he do?" Ruby asked.
"He…" Jaune looked to her, only to remember the horrors that happened in his timeline… especially to his family. Jaune started becoming teary eyed as he turned away and glared at the floor. "He hurt people I held close to me… people I love with all my heart." Jaune said as his voice cracked a bit and his fist tightening.
Ruby stared at Jaune with wide shocked eyes and a slightly gaped mouth. She had never seen anyone someone in so much pain before.
"I just… I just wish I saw it all coming." Jaune said.
"Well…" Ruby sighed. "We can't see everything coming Jaune." Ruby said looking down to her lap.
"… I know. I just wish I could. So it would never happen again." Jaune said with a frown. Ruby didn't know what to say to make him feel better.
"I'm sorry. I wanted to help you to make you feel better, but I just made you feel worse." Ruby said with a frown.
"Ruby… you are making me feel better." Jaune said.
"How?" Ruby asked looking to him. Jaune then rested his hand atop of Ruby's hand, making her eyes widen as she looked down to his hand over her own.
"Because you're here." Jaune said, shocking Ruby. "You being with me is all I'll ever need." Jaune said as he stared ahead.
Ruby looked at him with wide eyes and a blush across her cheeks. Ruby then looked down to her lap, staying silent. Ruby then moved her hand, under Jaune's, a bit so she could then interlock her own with his. The two stayed silent for a few moments, before Ruby then slowly rested her head on Jaune's shoulder.
The two stayed silent, sitting like that for what felt like hours.
Jaune's tears cascaded down his eyes as he relished in feeling Ruby's warm head resting against his shoulder. He missed these moments. Just resting with Ruby was all he ever needed in his life. This was no different, despite the Ruby with him not the one he spent twelve years married to, this was still all that could make him feel better. About his moments. About his feelings. About his future. Their future.
This was enough.
Jaune then heard some small snoozing making him turn his head to see Ruby had fallen asleep, with his shoulder being her pillow. Juane smiled at her, thinking she looked beautiful.
Jaune expertly got out of the position without disturbing Ruby as he then picked her up bridal style. Jaune smiled softly as he looked down at her peaceful face. Jaune watched her chest rise and fall at a calm rhythm as she snoozed cutely. It brought him peace to hold her again. To feel her warmth against his own. Jaune then remembered his Ruby and the future they planned to have. The one they hoped for.
Jaune then leaned his head down and rested it against Ruby's; their foreheads touching.
"I promise… I will not lose you this time. I'll protect you… and we'll have that future together. An Arc doesn't break his word." Jaune whispered to the sleeping Ruby as he then kissed her forehead.
Jaune then turned to Team RWBY's door, but he completely missed the smile on Ruby's face.
End of Chapter 2
Well that end was a tear jerker. I know I immediately left Volume 1 in two chapters, but I didn't want to focus too much in it. I just wanted to deal with the whole Cardin situation mainly for it, but now we are going into Volume 2 territory so things will get better and hopefully I won't rush pass it, despite the Volumes not being that long. From what I heard, the first three are considered one whole season. I can buy that.
Oh and that Salem being the Winter Maiden thing. That's a personal theory of mine. She just looks like the Winter Maiden gone bad to me.
Also Jaune's semblance was something I made up a long time ago. A little after I started reading RWBY fanfics. I read this fic called Burning White by Azure megacyber, that had a similar semblance to the one I came up with, just letting you all know for the future in case people call me unoriginal, although I don't think Jaune grew wings made from his aura in that one.
Also if people say Excalibur is unoriginal for a weapon given to Jaune, well then I don't believe so since Gravenimage did the same, albeit with a less… proportional sword than the one in this story, but it's still good!
And speaking of Gravenimage. If you all want to read a great time travel fic staring Jaune, getting the affections of Ruby and Pyrrha (also Yang if you want her interested in Jaune, which I find great, but I don't think I'll put it in this story), then Gravenimage's The Alternate Path. It's a great story and I support it all the way, and I hope you all do the same. There hasn't been an update since September 1st (date of current chapter's publication 11/7/2016) and I feel he needs a little more support to continue on with the story. Authors lose passion with certain stories sooner or later and it usually takes a little support from fans to inspire them to continue on. He's a really great author and I wanted to bring his story to your attention.
And for you all who read Team RAIJ before this, yes the Reebok of this and RAIJ are the same character. I just like him so much, despite being an OC. And for those who read Team RAIJ and are wondering if I'll bring in the other OCs from that story like, Leon 'Agni' Kai, well I'm not sure. I'm still debating it.
Anyway, thanks for reading this.
I hope you all enjoyed these pair of chapters I wanted to write for your entertainment and to post together.
Now I'll continue with Arc to D'arc, Team RAIJ and the continuation of this story, along with a few other stories that aren't related to RWBY.
Thank You All!
Takeshi1225, Out!
