Chapter 25: Crossroad

*Downtown Vale*

Blue eyes widened at the man before him."You're telling me this will do the job?" The vile glowed in a sickly black, green hue.

The man in a trenchcoat nodded. His face being distorted from the fedora he wore. "It will. Do you have the lien?"

The boy sighed. "How much?"

"One thousand."

"For that pathetic vile?" The boy gritted his teeth.

"That's the price kid, take it or leave it." The man chuckled

"Fine." The boy pulled out his wallet giving the lien

"Pleasure doing business."

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Another day finished. Jaune slumped out of the classroom, stretching his arms out letting out a mighty yawn.

"You enjoy your nap?" Yang gave a light punch on the shoulder.

"I was not napping." he crossed his arms, giving Yang the cold shoulder, only to come to face with Ruby.

The little reaper snorted. "Psht. You were snoring. Heck BRWN could hear you." She laughed.

"I was just resting my eyes." Jaune turned away from the reaper ignoring snickers from his two teammates.

"You were asleep." Pyrrha stated as a matter of fact. Jaune turned to face Pyrrha.

"You too?" his shoulders slumped "This is going to be the longest four years of my life." He muttered to himself as he opened the door to the room with the rest of his team filling filing in. He plopped on his bed as if it were a trampoline as the rest of girls, mainly just Ruby and Yang squabble over the bathroom.

Today had been exceptionally harsh. Three tests in one day was incomprehensibly tiring. Except he had a test in history tomorrow, and he fell asleep in class. Yeah, he shot himself in the foot with that one. He couldn't help it, though. In his defense, history was just so dull, it also didn't help that he couldn't follow Dr. Oobleck. He pulled out his notes and textbook. Well, time for him to go over the past week's lessons and notes. Oh, wait… no notes.

By then everyone else was done getting all cleaned up. Yang went over to the fridge kept in the small kitchenette. She opened it for a moment and slammed it shut. "We need to get food. Anyone down for a trip to Vale?"

Ruby eyed her sister suspiciously. "Can we stop by the bakery."

"Yes." Yang rolled her eyes with a playful smirk. "How could I ever forget? And before you ask, we'll stop by the weapon shop too."

"You're the best!" she blurted out as she darted around the room to grab her bag and crescent rose. Yang smiled as she watched her little sister, but she slowly shifted her attention to her other two teammates. "You guys comin?"

Jaune looked up from his book. "I would but….. I fell asleep." He held up his book in extra emphasis.

The blonde looked at the taller redhead expectantly. "I should help him." She offered. Jaune peered over his book. "Go on and have fun. I don't want to hold you back."

She looked unsure. "Come on, it'll be a girl's night out," Yang added with a playful smile.

"Come on Pyrrha it'll be fine." Her sister added.

"I'm not going to win this am I?"

"NOPE!" Everyone shouted.

"Well, I suppose it wouldn't hurt…" She grabbed a normal change of clothes. When she reemerged she came out with a simple red blouse and a modest white skirt.

"You look good." Yang eyed her playfully.

She nodded bashfully as Yang opened the door. "We'll see ya later!" She waved cheerfully

"Try not to fall asleep again!" Ruby grabbed Pyrrha's hand dragging her out of the room with an 'ompf' Jaune couldn't help but smile. Now that he had some peace and quiet, he could get down to work for the evening.

The three girls emerged from the bakery. Yang munching on a rather large pretzel as Pyrrha munched on a gourmet doughnut. From the corner of Pyrrha's eye, she watched as the little Rose opened her second box of cookies. She had to admire the little girl's ability to consume cookies constantly. 'So that's where she gets her energy from,' She thought to herself. The three girls sat on a bench, happily eating their treats until there was gasp.

"THEY HAD PEANUT BUTTER CHOCOLATE FUDGE COOKIES!" She exclaimed "Watch my stuff! I'll be right back!" She darted back in with Yang and Pyrrha laughing at her antics. She popped her head from the door. "Don't touch my cookies" She smiled morphed into a mischievous grin. "Or else."

"She sure does loves cookies," Pyrrha noted absentmindedly.

Yang nodded in agreement with a smile. "Probably because her Mom used to bake them for us all the time." She said looking at the people walking down the street. "I think she eats them as a reminder of her." A tone of sadness cracked through her voice.

Pyrrha nodded solemnly. It must have been a sore spot. From what she could gather, their mom, at least Ruby's mom had left or wasn't with them. "What happened?" She asked sympathetically. "If you don't mind me asking." She added.

Yang sighed, remembering was a painful thing. "There was an attack at the local school by a group of men. Dad and Summer, being the local hunters, went to stop the attack…." She exhaled a long breath. "Summer gave her life rescuing everyone, she was the only one to die." She gave gave a small depricating laugh, "The only reason we weren't there was because we both had the flu..."

Pyrrha looked over to Yang, eyes filled with concern, but also admiration. "I'm so sorry Yang. I didn't mean to bring-"

"It's fine. I've come to terms with it. I think Ruby has to; she just tries to remember her the best she can. To live the life that Summer would want for her. That's all we can do." Yang took a bite out of her pretzel. As much time as Pyrrha knew Yang, she was a happy go getter, nothing got her down. Sure she got angry, but it quickly faded. To see her speak with such conviction, such seriousness, Pyrrha could tell Yang did have a serious side. "It wasn't easy for her, for us. There were times where she didn't go to school; she couldn't get out of bed. I stayed home those days to look after her." Pyrrha nodded understandingly. "But we managed ya know." She noted how the blonde smiled sincerely. "It's good to see her like this now."

"HEY!" The older redhead and blonde looked over at the bakery to see a Ruby caring four boxes of cookies. "Did anyone take any of my cookies?!" She had the most adorable yet oddly terrifying look in her eyes. Both of her teammates shook their heads.

The smile returned to its usual smile. "Good!" She walked over happily humming to herself as she plopped herself between Pyrrha and Yang. She handed them each a box. "Here you go."

"Awww Rubes, you didn't have too…." Yang wrapped an arm around her sister, hugging her.

She snorted with a wide grin. "Psht, you two don't know what's good for you."

Pyrrha graciously accepted the box. "Thank you, Ruby."

The Rose hummed as she opened her own box and took a bite out of a massive cookie. Pyrrha watched as her older sister did the same. Well, might as well join them. She thought as she opened her own box. She looked at the massive cookies. "Impressive." She muttered to herself.

"Don't worry, Jaune has his own box too. I can't forget about our clown leader."

Pyrrha smiled appreciatively. She took a bite. Yep. The best thing she had ever had tried. Ruby was indeed a connoisseur of sweets, but mainly cookies.

"Weapon shop now?" Ruby suggested eagerly.

"Only if we get to see the new Spruce Willis movie" Yang suggested.

"Can we get some food afterwards?" Pyrrha shyful suggested.

"HECK YEAH." The two sisters chimed in joyfully.

Jaune slammed his textbook shut. He was free. FINALLY! He straightened up, cracking his back, the most wonderful sensation a person can experience after spending four hours hunched over textbooks. He looked at his scroll. Three hours of mind numbing boredom and historical facts.

He stood up feeling his legs stiffen up, and felt he should probably get some training to loosen up. These long days of studying were starting to make him feel like an old man.

He grabbed his armor quickly fastening the straps and strapped Crocea Mors around his waist.

As he made his way to the arena, he noted how the campus was rather empty. No signs of life, rather creepy. The sidewalks were empty, the hallways were empty, and as he made his way to the arena, it too was empty.

He made his way to a console, programming some training bots. Easy, nah too easy. Medium. Nope.

"Arc." An arrogant voice called out. Jaune knew who it was. He turned to see the armored behemoth known as Cardin with his team behind him. "Hey, buddy! I just happen to be in the area, and well I found you! Here! Of all places you coward."

Jaune eyes them suspiciously, hand hovering over the hilt of his sword. "What do you want Cardin?"

"Just a friendly rematch." He gave a sadistic grin. "You know you shouldn't even be here. Ozpin made a mistake letting you in here. I'm here to fix that mistake." He extended his mace out, glowing in strange shimmering black and white pulses.

"Cardin. This isn't sanctioned." Jaune took a step back.

The aggressor nodded for his team to move forward encircling the blonde knight.

Jaune quickly armed himself with sword and shield. If he beat Cardin before, he could do it again.

Cardin let out a wild war cry as he charged with his mace over his head. Jaune dodged out of the way only to be met with Sky lark's halberd to the side, the damage insignificant but still there, Jaune grunted as recovered, however Cardin was already on top of him. Jaune quickly raised his shield to deflect the mace.

The adrenaline already pumping through Jaune's veins slowing down time ever so slightly until eventually, contact.

Jaune's eyes widened as a searing pain threatened to make him lose his composure. Something was terribly wrong. Aside from the pain, he couldn't feel anything in his arm.

Jaune attempted to shrug it off as he scrambled to his feet, using his arms to push himself up, except his shield arm gave out as Jaune yelped in pain.

Somehow Cardin managed to bypass his aura. Worst yet, his aura wasn't healing his arm.

"What's wrong Jauney boy?" A haughty and arrogant Cardin called out quietly. "Where's your team? Where's that redheaded bitch?" Cardin mocked.

Something in Jaune's mind triggered, he unlatched his shield and it fell to the ground with a clang. If Cardin hits me, I'm dead. Jaune thought to himself as he scrambled to his feet, Crocea Mors in his hand.

He could try and run. But No one. NO ONE calls Pyrrha a bitch in front of him. Cardin is going to pay. Pay very severely.

Cardin strode confidently to Jaune. The mace came down as Jaune back stepped. He grimaced in pain from his broken arm, but forced himself to keep moving. Another swing to his side had him ducking out of the way, his arm still protesting in pain.

Another downward swing with Cardin's foot exposed. Jaune took the initiative getting into Cardin's guard. He slammed his sword downward at Cardin's knee, which caused the bully to yelp. Cardin's arm shot forward toward Jaune's chest, and Jaune couldn't bring himself to move fast enough to dodge. A fist crashed full force into Jaune's chestplate, causing him to land on the ground on his bad arm. His mind almost went blank from the sheer pain. He saw Cardin walk over hand on mace. 'Shit shit shit'. He towered over Jaune.

"Night Jauney boy." Cardin brought down the mace on Jaune's chest plate. The last thing he remembered feeling was intense heat then nothing.

Pyrrha wouldn't lie, she did have a lot of fun today, although she felt a little guilty that Jaune wasn't able to join them. She walked into a dark room. Jaune must have been asleep. She brought a finger to her lips, the universal quiet symbol. Yang and Ruby nodded. As she crept over to her bed, she noticed something.

His bed was empty. She pulled out her scroll. Two in the morning. Where the heck is he? She went over to the lights and flicked on the switch. "Where's Jaune?" Ruby asked.

"Maybe he fell asleep at the library." Yang shrugged.

"Possibly." Pyrrha muttered as she brought a finger to her mouth in thought. However, something felt off. Terribly off. A feeling of dread settled in her stomach. She felt a vibration in her hand which made her focus on the scroll in her hand. It was Jaune.

She tapped the accept button and brought the scroll up to her ear. "Jaune? Where are you?"

"This is Pyrrha right?" A somewhat familiar voice responded. That sinking feeling only got worse.

"Who is this?" She asked as her free hand trembled.

"This is Blake. I found Jaune in the practice arena really banged up. I was able to get him to the medical ward-" Pyrrha's scroll dropped out of her hand as she stormed out of the room leaving a very confused Yang and Ruby.

Ruby went to pick up the scroll as they attempted to catch up with the taller redhead. "Hello?" Ruby called out questioningly.

"Ruby, this is Blake."

"Blake! What's going on?"

"Jaune's been seriously injured. I just happened to find him in the arena covered in blood."

Ruby eyes went wide as she continued to chase after the redhead who was blazing a trail. "Rubes, what is it?" Yang asked concerned as she kept up with the reaper. Her silver eyes, still in shock, met with lilac.

"Jaune's been hurt. Bad." She put the scroll up to her ear. "Is he alright? Where is he? Where are you?"

"I don't know. We're both in the medical ward." Ruby could tell that Blake was being strained.

"We'll be there soon. Thank you, Blake." She ended the scroll call, as she grabbed Yang by the arm. "Come on we have to catch up to Pyrrha." Ruby blasted off trying to catch the rather impressively fast taller redhead.

Pyrrha slammed open the door as her heavy footsteps echoed through hallway. This was her fault. She shouldn't have gone out today. Hell, if she were here, Jaune would be safe l, and Ruby and Yang would be okay.

But no, she had to spoil herself, be selfish, look at what she got in return. "Pyrrha." The amber-eyed, raven haired girl stepped forward.

"Where is he?" Was the only thing she could say. The only thing on her mind.

"In the ward, the doctor's aren't done operating on him." Blake stood in between her and her destination.

Pyrrha brushed her aside. "I'm going in." She grunted. She was about to touch the door when she felt something onto her hand. She looked to find a black lash wrapped around her arm. Pyrrha turned around turned around eyes wide with rage.

"I can't let you do that. We're just going to wait here, alright?" Blake strained at keeping the taller girl from overpowering her.

"Blake, I'm only warning you once, I don't want to hurt you, but you aren't going to stop me," Pyrrha growled darkly. The doors slammed open revealing a flash of red and rose petals. The two sisters eyed the scene suspiciously. Yang extended her gauntlets. "What's goin on here?"

"Pyrrha is trying to barge into the operating room" Blake grunted trying to subdue the taller redhead. Ruby rushed over in between the two as Yang rushed over to grabbing Pyrrha.

"Listen P. We know that Jaune means a lot to you." She gritted her teeth as the redhead squirmed and struggled out of the hold. "But… rushing in like this is only going to make things worse. We just need to-.

"

"PYRRHA!" Everyone froze looking at the little reaper whose little silver eyes shone fire. "Do you think Jaune would want you to see you like this? Because I know he wouldn't." Her voice filled with a belittling tone.

The taller redhead blinked. She stopped struggling as she could feel Yang loosen her grip. "I'm sorry." She muttered. Ruby was right. Jaune would be so incredibly disappointed with her, and that made her sick. The fiery glare that the rose was giving quickly faded into a compassionate smile. Blake's lash slackened as she whipped it back to her.

"It's not your fault, but remember we're all here for both of you-" Ruby pulled out her scroll while she gave Pyrrha back her scroll. "We all got a message…. Asking us to fill out a report."

After finishing the report which took about an hour. Filling out basic information, relation to victim, what happened, where was the victim's location, where was her location, who was she with. All of these questions, which didn't help her mind set. With that all sent in, the nurse came in retrieving them.

"You guys go on ahead." Blake stood off to the side.

"Blake?" Ruby asked questioningly.

"Go ahead. You need to be there with your team. I'll stop by a little later." She gave a small smile as she turned around.

"Blake," Pyrrha called out. The amber eye girl turned around to face "I apologize… I didn't mean to-" Blake held up her hand with a small smile She didn't need to say anything, Pyrrha got the message. All was forgiven.

Pyrrha walked down the hallway escorted by her other two teammates. Pyrrha opened the door and froze. In the room was Ozpin, and for some strange reason, Raven, Qrow, and another adult, more muscular build who had lilac eyes and short blonde hair. Yang stepped forward.

"Mom, Dad, Uncle Qrow?" The confusion was clearly evident in her voice that matched her facial expression.

"What are you doing here?" Raven turned to face the rest of JYPR. Pyrrha could see the confusion and hurt in Yang's face.

Ruby spoke up on behalf of their team. "We're here to check on our team leader." Ruby said proudly. Pyrrha watched as Qrow leaned into his sister's ear.

"I'm impressed that Jaune was able to make team leader…" the words she muttered were a little louder than intended. Yang and Ruby blinked several times as the older blonde man looked at Raven crossing his arms.

"How do you know this boy." His tone filled with suspicion.

Raven looked at everyone around the room. Pyrrha could tell that this was the moment she was trying avoid. She let out a sigh as Ruby and Yang stared expectantly. "I trained him." She said, her voice filled with guilt as if she knew what was going to happen. At that, Pyrrha could see Yang switch from the kind hearted girl to the fiery dragon she could be, her eyes burning red.

A/N

Hey guys! I'm back! Things have settled down with class and due dates. What a week lol.

So we have a new chapter with some stuff happening. How the heck did Cardin's mace break through aura? Idk. Why would Cardin just blatantly attack Jaune, is he that spiteful? Maybe idk, but I do and Pyrrha's on the guilt train now :(

Then there is next chapter, some stuff is goin to get real for everyone. Yang is not going to be happy, Ruby is not going to be happy, Pyrrha is not happy, Tai not happy, and Raven is for sure not going to be happy….. I wonder why? Bah idk.

Shaded: Sup people… this was an awesome chapter. I had fun helping Sauron with it.

Sauron: Debatable

So if you guys like the chapter, thought it was meh, or didn't like it, let us know. Ideas, opinions, suggestions, questions, criticisms, predictions, and all that other stuff is always welcomed! Let us know, we love to hear from all of you.