"A liar... a theif... a murderer... and a rapist... that's not a man... take it away."

-Major Richard Sharpe to Obadiah Hakeswill after the latter murdered his wife

That's soldiering.

Chapter 17: Cold Revenge

Port's Class, Beacon

Jaune, knew that learning was essential even in combat. Be it history, maths, or even values. However, if there's one thing that he was very sure, it was that he won't be learning anything from Proffessor Port's classes.

Because between listening to Major Munro's bagpipes and his stories, he would actually pick Munro's bagpipes without hesitation.

Not only was Port's story hard to believe, they barely taught them anything besides how absurd his tales were.

Nonetheless, he soldiered on with the rest fo the class.

As the the Port continued his story, he noticed Weiss has just given up with trying to even take down notes.

Jaune then realized that he could ask Weiss about the materials he'd need for gun powder.

Moving his seat closer to Weiss, he tapped her on the shoulder and ask "Pardon me Weiss, but do you think you can answer a question for me?"

The Heiress raised an eyebrow, but gestured him to ask.

"Well, it involves some materials I'll be needing." He then shows her his notes about gun powder.

Weiss, now curious, looks over the notes carefully. "These notes... what is this exactly?"

"A little project I'm working on called Gun Powder. I've come to realization that Fire Dust, for all it's impressive features, cannot replicate the kind of power that the propellant I used possessed."

"Well, I certainly know where you can get Sulfur and Charcoal, but the last ingredient, Pottasium Nitrate will be hard to get."

Jaune nodded "I plan to get The Pottasium in Mistral."

"Well, Charcoal, you can get this at any place that sells coal. As for Sulfur, the best place to get them is near hot springs. Other than that, I have no idea where you can get these." Weiss respectfully replied.

"Well, thank you either way." smiled the Arc as he finally noticed that the bell rang.

After wrapping up his class, Port finally ended his class' suffering.

JNPR and RWBY immediately went to their dorms and changed into their combat attire.

After checking their weapons, Jaune lead his team to RWBY's dorm before knocking.

They were greeted by the Yang who let them in. After everyone got settled in, they began their briefing.

"Alright, we're all here. Everyone know what to do?" asked Jaune.

"Ruby and I shall go to the CCT and check the Schnee records for any other Dust robberies or inconsistencies. It shouldn't be too hard with me as the Heiress." stated Weiss.

Blake then added in "The White Fang had regular faction meetings to give out nee orders and induct new members, if I can get in, then we could probably find out what they're planning."

"Do you need any back-up?" The Arc asked.

"Well, you'll need to be a Faunus to get in the meeting itself." replied Blake.

Jaune nodded "Fair enough, what about you Yang? Hearing to Junior's again for information?"

The Blonde Brawler grinned at her fellow Blonde, the latter chuckled before turning to his team. "Right, Ren, you and I will go with Blake and will act as back up should Blake need it."

He then turned to Pyrrha "Pyrrha, I'll have you go with Ruby and Weiss, while Nora, you're with Yang."

The two girls nodded in agreement. Satisfied, Jaune turned to everyone "Alright, any other questions?"

"Yeah, where do we go in all of this?" asked another person.

Everyone turned to the source of the voice and lo and behold, Sun Wukong was hanging upside down with his tail.

Jaune was just about to raise his pistol, but then remembered his brief introduction to Sun. "Fucking hell Sun... I could've shot you." muttered Jaune.

"Swear jar." squeaked Ruby.

"Not now Crater Face." The Arc deadpanned as he signalled Sun to get in.

"Hope you don't mind, but I brought along Neptune too." informed Sun.

The person in question climbed inside the room and looked like he was about to pass out.

Blake raised an eyebrow at the Monkey Faunus who scratched his head before saying "What? I thought you eight could use some more help?"

"I think we got this one in the bag. We're easily the best team in the first year batch." Yang boasted.

"I don't see a problem with them." Jaune stated "Sun, you can go with Blake, just know that Ren and I will be your back up."

Sun nodded as The Rifleman gestured to Neptune "Neptune, you're with Yang. Now," he said as he placed his cloak on "shall we give the White Fang a good thrashing?

Vale Industrial Area, Vale

Jaune has gotten used to waiting for prolonged periods of time. This was mostly because of his time as Sharpe when he'd wait for the French

At the moment, it was he and Ren on a rooftop that gave them a good lookout spot near the warehouse.

"Blake and Sun are approaching the guard now." stated Ren.

Jaune nodded as he pulled out his spy glass and indeed saw both of their Faunus friends enter the White Fang meeting.

"Good. If that bug we planted in their scroll works, then we should be able to hear what's going on." The rifleman said as he pulled out his scroll.

As far as the bug was picking up, Blake and Sun had succesfully infiltrated the meeting.

Ren turned to his leader then asked "Jaune. Can I ask you something?"

"Hm? What is it?" The Arc asked as he walked over to Ren.

"Well, you know that Pyrrha's birthday is near right?"

"Yes. She told me yesterday too. I have an idea that may involve a lot of us. I'll need your sizes."

Ren simply nodded as they returned to their task.

Meanwhile, Jaune wondered how Pyrrha was doing.

Vale's CCTS, Vale

Pyrrha sighed heavily as she sat on one of the benches near the CCT tower. Weiss and Ruby had seperated when Ruby met with Penny. Weiss went ahead to retrieve the files from the SDC.

This left her by herself, and she honestly wished that Jaune took her with him, because she'd rather sit by his side and wait than wait alone while dealing with numerous fans. Unfortunately, her leader didn't deem it necesarry.

As time passed, her thoughts began to drift to her feelings towards Jaune.

Recently, she began to feel more attracted to Jaune. Ever since she met him, she felt that Jaune was someone she'd consider dating just for the sole reason of not knowing her.

The feelings grew after the fiasco at Forever Fall. Even after his revelation as a reincarnated person.

She was thinking about sending Jaune a quick text, but Weiss had already arrived to the scene.

"The dolt didn't return yet?" the Heiress inquired to which the Champion simply shook her head.

"Her loss. I was going to treat you girls to a nearby coffee joint." Weiss smirked as she held out her credit card.

Pyrrha smiled at this as she followed Weiss.

Vale Industrial Area, Vale.

It's been at least 1 and a half hour since Blake and Sun had entered. Jaune and Ren were picking up a lot of information that they could use. This included a base in the South East of Vale, a gathering of multiple Faunus for a small army, and some stolen Atlesian equipment.

What caught Jaune's attention the most was the apparent presence of Torchwick. It almost convinced him to get up from their post and try to take a potshot at the Gentleman Thief, but he knew better than that. It isn't worth risking everything just for petty revenge. Hence he stayed and decided to get a shot at Torchwick another time.

Just then, Ren picked something up from Blake's scroll. "We should get out of here." they heard Blake whisper to Sun.

"Will all new recruits, please come forward!" another voice called out, most likely an officer.

Jaune looked at Ren and nodded, the two collected their gear and began to make for the ladder.

Then, an audible crash was heard. When the two huntsmen arrived, they were met with Blake and Sun running away from a large Atlesian mech.

Jaune and Ren wasted no time and unloaded their weapons, but this didn't affect it.

"Bugger!" cursed Jaune as he tried to look around for anything that could give chase to the mech. Then he found it, horses that are supposed to be used for the festival.

"Ren, follow me!"

The Ninja nodded as he followed the Rifleman's lead.

Jaune approached the handler and pulled put his ID "Excuse me, but there's an emergency, we need to use this horse." The Arc stated quickly.

The handler looked at the ID and then at Jaune before nodding "As long as you get her back in one piece."

Jaune nodded and tossed the handler some Lien as mounted the horse and helped Ren get on.

"Wait, Jaune, do you even kno-" Ren began to ask but the Rifleman beat him to it.

"I bloody do, now hang on!"

With the skills he learned as Sharpe, he got the horse in a gallop and made chase.

It didn't take long for the duo to catch up to the mech. Jaune was stunned by the collateral damage it had already caused.

As he made the horse pull up behind the mech, he and Ren and began to unload their weapons at the shoulder joints, with Jaune using his heavy revolver, and Ren using one of his SMGs.

This had little effect however as the robot continued to chase after Sun and Blake. Just then, Yan and Neptune pulled up from behind with the former's bike and waved at them.

Neptune then transformed his weapon into a assault rifle of sorts. Without another second wasted, he fired his weapon at the mech and had better results than the horse riders as his ammo utilized electric dust.

The impact managed to slow down the mech, but only did so much.

Then, Neptune launched himself from Yang's bike whilst switching his weapon into a spear form and lands right onto the mech.

Jaune and Ren held fire to avoid hitting Neptune and Sun who was about to jump on the mech when Roman flung Neptune right into the monkey Faunus.

This caused both of them to fly off the highway. The Arc flinched as he watched them fall down into the abyss, but didn't pay much attention to them knowing that they'll be fine.

Just then, he could see ice all over the incoming road, this made him stop his horse as to avoid an accident.

This was a good call as the Paladin slipped on the ice and flew off the highway. Jaune saw Weiss with her sword thrusted into the ground and gave her a thumbs up.

The Heiress returned the gesture, and only then did Jaune notice that Pyrrha was right behind her.

"Hello again!" the Spartan waved.

The Rifleman waved back before gesturing to the group to head down to finish off the Paladin.

Today was REALLY not Roman's day. He first had to be convinced by that Fall bitch to work alongside the White Fang, then was forced to do a speech for them, and now a group of brats had derailed the entire operation in a matter of minutes.

As he pressed the Paladin to get up, he spots Little Red and her friends. Including Green on a...

"What the fuck?"

Jaune was riding on a horse with Ren and after finding a suitable area, left it there tied up.

"Kids get weirder and weirder..." muttered Roman.

...

Jaune looked at the Paladin in front of him and nodded at Ruby who then called out "Freezer Burn!"

Yang and Weiss charged ahead with Weiss utilizing her ice dust to create an ice layer along the ground before Yang lept up and smashed right into the ice creating a smoke screen.

This worked as the Paladin's visual sensor's have been rendered useless, then it was Jaune's team's turn.

"Pyrrha! Hold it down! She's coming!" Jaune ordered.

The Spartan Girl nodded and used her semblance to the max as she held the mech from making any moves.

She didn't have to wait long as a resounding boom wad heard, and then a pink flash.

The Paladin found itself heavily damaged by one Nora Valkyrie as she swung relentlesly at the robot. It's current pilot grinded his teeth as he struggled to get an eye on the Hammer Maiden.

When he did, it was too late as Ruby's team performed their next attack with Ruby and Blake taking the lead.

The Reaper began to fire at several of the mech's weakspots while Blake went up close to try and get Torchwick.

The attacks had little effect however as Torchwick counter attacked with guided missles as the smoke screen that Yang and Weiss made had already dispersed.

The missles forced Ruby and Blake to retreat as their Aura couldn't risk getting damaged to those missles.

Luckiky, Jaune's team was available.

"Ren! Nora! Pink Lotus!" The Rifleman shouted.

The partners nodded as Nora leaped over Ren while the latter dashed behind her.

Then, Nora shot her grenades at several spots of the Paladin while Ren peppered the areas with his bullets. This managed to deter Roman's aim on them as all his machine guns didn't hit either of them.

The two then fell back as Jaune and Pyrrha gave them cover fire with their rifles.

"Jaune! We have to move!" exclaimed Pyrrga as she switched her weapons to melee mode.

"Right! Pyrrha! Boost! I'm going for the Torchwick!"

"Bu-"

"NOW!"

Hesitantly, Pyrrha allowed Jaune on top of her shield and gave a mighty push that launched him from the shield, all the way the Paladin.

"One shot at this Jaune... One shot..." the Blonde Rifleman thought to himself.

Then, he lined up the shot.

BANG

"What the hell was that?!" panicked Roman as the Paladin's systems started flashing red.

Seconds ago, he witnessed Green get boosted by Cereal Girl and line up a shot, then after that, all hell broke lose for him.

"That little brat..." Torchwick snarled as he saw Jaune land in front of him and make a run for it.

Not wanting to go down yet, he launches a final salvo of missiles at the Arc.

"Goodbye Greeny." The thief smirked.

That victory didn't last however, as it immediately back fired as he saw the Blonde Brawler and the Cereal Girl charge at him.

...

Both Yang and Pyrrha noticed that Jaune was being chased by a salvo of 5 missiles and sprung into action.

Yang began to sprint towards two of the missiles and with her strength, threw them both of course straight into the Paladin.

Pyrrha on the other hand stood still as she began to use her semblance to deflect another two of the missiles. Like Yang, she too guided the missiles towards the Paladin as well.

However, none of them were too fast to take out the last missile.

Jaune kept running but the missile was gaining on him.

"JAUNE!" Both of the girls said.

However, it was too late as the missile detonated and an explosion sounded off. It was so large that it was bound to happen to kill Jaune...

Fortunately, a tall wall of ice wall formed between him and the wall.

Lo and behold, Weiss Schnee stood before him as she kept Myrtenaster stabbed in the ground.

"For the record, this is me repaying for helping us sort out the Blake problem." Weiss smirked at Jaune as the latter began to regain his wits whilst heading back to the horse he used earlier for some reason.

Back with Pyrrha and Yang, the two sighed in relief upon seeing the ice wall before turning towards the still standing Paladin that they assumed was on it's last leg.

Filled with anger, they both charged the mech as it tried to pull up anything that could defend itself, but alas, it was too late as Pyrrha pulled the Paladin closer with her semblance as Yang's hair began to glow like fire.

Then with a mighty war cry, she threw herself into the Paladin and smashed it into pieces.

Surely enough, Roman popped out of the wreckage and dusted himself off.

"This was a newly cleaned suit you brats..." he grunted.

"That's new? That's good to hear. That means I can stain it with yer blood you bastard." A voice said.

The Thief looked up and saw both team RWBY and JNPR standing before him with an air of victory surrounding them, however one stood out the most out of all the 8 students.

There was Jaune on his horse who had his sword drawn.

"Ah shit..." Torchwick cursed.

"Swear jar!"

"Shush Ruby!"

Jaune raised an eyebrow at the two sisters before looking back at Roman. Then, nodded to Nora.

The bubbly girl grinned and fired her grenade launcher at the Thief.

Three grenades sprang to life and went straight for Roman. The ensuing explosion would've killed him if it wasn't for his own saviour.

A petite girl with hair that resembled Neapolitan stood before them as she furled her umbrella. Jaune recognized her as the same girl who stabbed him from behind at the docks.

"You..." He growled.

Roman smirked as he introduced everyone to his accomplice "Ah... remember him Green? I think you do, isn't that right Neo?"

Neo smiled as she bowed before her "audience", this caused Jaune to get even more irritated at her.

"Well, anyways, Ladies and Gentlemen, for our final trick for tonight, Neo and I shall disappear!" The Gentleman Thief exclaimed with pride.

"Like hell you are you bastard!" Then, without a second thought, Jaune got his horse into a gallop as he readied his sword.

"Jaune wait!" Pyrrha cried, but Jaune was to focused on ending Roman right there.

Then, he came upon them and was brought his sword down on Roman's neck. However, upon impact, the pair of criminals smashed into a million pieces.

It didn't take long for Jaune to realize that it was the work of Neo's semblance, and as he was about to curse, he saw a bullhead take off with Torchwick and Neo taunting them as they made their mistake.

"Not without a mark you twat..." The Arc growled as he dismounted and aimed his rifle, but it was no use as they were now out of his range "Bollocks."

"Jaune! Wait up!" Ruby called as she and the rest of their friends caught up to him.

"Are you alright?" asked Ren.

Jaune shook his head "No. They got away."

"Don't worry Arc, there's always a second time anyway," assured Weiss as she smirked "and besides, I guess we could say that she made our plans... fall apart?"

"..."

"..."

"...no. Just no." Yang shook her head as she began to follow Blake walking away.

"What? You do it!"

"There's a time and a place for jokes."

"Was this not it?!"

"No," Jaune said as he mounted the horse "Yang just thinks it's not good enough, and personally, I agree, would've gone for shattered."

Weiss' eyebrow twitched as she saw Yang giggling before pouting "Well at least I'm trying!"

Then she too walked away.

Pyrrha then approached Jaune "Jaune, where did you get that horse?"

"I borrowed it from someone, speaking of which, I need to return it, would you like to ride with me?"

Pyrrha blushed but couldn't say no to his offer as she climbed on.

"Ever ridden a horse before?" The Blonde Rifleman asked.

"I'm afraid not Jaune."

"Well, just hold on tight, if you feel like you're slipping, just tell me eh?"

Soon, Jaune and Pyrrha rode off as Ren and Nora tagged along with Team RWBY.

Vale Industrial Area, Vale

Eventually, Jaune and Pyrrha arrived back at the warehouse and found the horse's owner who was relieved to see the horse still alive and even more surprised to see Pyrrha Nikos riding it.

"Well, well! I can't believe my eyes! Pyrrha Nikos is riding MY horse!" The Owner exclaimed as he approached Jaune and Pyrrha.

"Sorry for the delay sir, we had a little bit of trouble to deal with." Jaune said as he dismounted before helping Pyrrha down.

The Owner shook his head "No need! She's all well by the look of it. You sir have some skill in riding."

Jaune nodded "Well, in any case, my Partner and I will get going now. Thank you for the horse sir."

Pyrrha waved goodbye as the horse's owner waved back.

"I assume you rode a horse back then?" She mused.

"Aye, not much, but enough for me to know a lot." Jaune replied.

"Well, maybe you should teach me sometime." The Spartan smirked.

"And not get another chance of having you as my passenger? Hard pass." The Blonde joked.

And the partners continued their playful banter on their way back to Beacon.

And that's a wrap, sorry for the delay as I've been busy in school. I'm already working on the next chapter which will actually be something that's not in any episodes.

Until then, I bid you farewell.

-Solemn