Howdy!

So, I really didn't think this chapter would be this long, but I seriously wanted this to be out already.

I've been brainstorming for the coming arc nonstop, even at work. And I have to say, I'm fucking excited for what I've come up with.
Also, I'd like to say, despite the lack of reviews, I'm really glad that a lot of you are still sticking around for the rest of this fanfiction.
It's honestly all I can think of. I deadass can't even think of my own book.
and it's my book!

Either way, now, we're coming into Volume 2 of RWBY
Enjoy the nonsense I have planned!

Disclaimer: I don't own RWBY

Chapter 32: Nobilis

Cardin wiped his face of the sweat dribbled down his forehead. Staring at the bright lights of the studio they were in; he couldn't help but scowl at how excessive the heat was. Standing in front of white canvas and on white carpets, Velvet and Coco were posed in front of a myriad of cameras and blaring white lights. They were dressed in the latest fashion line her mother released. He tried to ignore the blaring music and the cheers and whoops and hollers, but there was nothing he could do to escape. It was almost expected for him to stand in attendance. After all, Coco's mother was one of the richest women in the world and her support of the King's Fist could set them nicely.

Since the long string of interviews and news outlets learning everything about himself and the various Huntsmen and Huntresses the masses among the upper echelons of Vale were quite pleased of the return. Money, support and despite his father's disapproval at first, the Winchester was quite proud of him for once. Cardin couldn't help but smile at that – his father looked at him the way he used to look at Marshall. The pride in his indigo eyes was reflected in his own, it felt marvelous. To be praised by someone who saw nothing but contempt, it showed that everything he'd done wasn't for nothing.

"Cardin!" Velvet called from the set. "Come on! They want us to get a picture together!"

"W-What?" Cardin choked on his spit.

"What, a little birdy scared of some pictures?" Coco lowered her shades. "C'mon tough guy, some pictures can't hurt."

"Keep your armor on, my lord; it will look great on the magazines."

"Magazines?!"

Jaune stood before the great doors of Orléans. He didn't know what to feel. Elated, afraid or ecstatic. There were too many things running through his mind but at least he had Blake, Pyrrha and Yang behind him. A four-day weekend at Beacon was just what they needed, especially after everything that's happened recently. Ozpin was pleased with the results they gained in questioning Reggie Teale, but it wasn't enough. With a heavy heart he decided to give the teens some much needed du repos. Having taken his personal airship, the Espérer, they arrived at the landing fields in no more than a few hours after classes were out.

He looked at the great walls of carved stone slabs. It was a quick reminder of the life he once had. He wondered at times when he was younger, if he'd ever see the outside world, but now that he had it, coming home felt nostalgic. Calling out to the guards within the gatehouse, the doors quickly creaked open. Dust and dirt shifted as they finally spread. Light peered between the cracks almost blinding. He waited a moment, letting the women beside him acclimate before moving forward.

Blue banners bearing the golden arcs of his family beat in the cool winds of the great sea the city rested against. Entering the great gatehouse, just who he was became realized to the three women. People on the streets, peasantry and city folk immediately parted from the paved roads. They bowed constantly, praising and throwing snapdragon flowers at his feet. The houses were numerous, spreading as far as their eyes could sea, but none got in the way of the main strip, which was decorated with gold and silver.

In the center of the main strip, ignoring the praises, the music in the street, there was a single fountain. It was huge, a monster of creation. On the North face of the fountain, a statue of a man with long waving hair was seen. In his hands was a blade that looked eerily family – it was Crocea Mors! At his side was a scepter that looked too familiar to the young King. At the Eastern Face, another one was depicted, with curly hair that reached to the man's mid-back. On his right arm, the shield of the Arc family was wielded and the famous blade was in his left hand.

"A left-handed Arc?" Pyrrha gasped. "Interesting?"

"Few in my family are left-handed, after all, Crocea Mors was created for a right-hand user in mind. Many of my ancestors were ambidextrous, but only left-handed? That was rare."

To the South, there was a man who looked similar to Jaune. Bearing Crocea Mors like the others, a large cape followed from his shoulders, waving against the base of the fountain. Water splashed against the statue's feet, draining into the massive marble basin. Walking around the fountain, the group arrived at the Eastern face, finding something that none of them were expecting. Four statues stood at the Eastern wall, one knelt on the left, another knelt on the right. They were both women, armored and wielding firearms and blades. At the back of the four, a woman with short hair was sculpted, in her hands, a pair of short swords.

Standing in the center, he was almost looking at a mirror image of himself. He stood, heroically posed, Crocea Mors drawn and wielded. The blade pointed toward the sky and shield in hand. Water spouts rose from beneath his and his sisters' feet, spilling water into the basin. His features were carved in marble to the very same scraggly hair topping his head. Jaune wanted to say something but no words could escape his mouth – this was unlike anything he'd thought would come of his actions.

"Do you like it?" A kind voice sounded behind them.

Snapping at attention, Jaune turned to see none other than his mother, Marie Arc, dressed in a fabulous gown, jeweled in gold, silver and gemstones. Bearing colors of white and cerulean, Marie's wolf tail danced behind her with anticipation. Citizens fell to their knees, lowering their heads in reverence to the woman. Quickly taking a hint, Pyrrha and Blake fell to their knees, both nudging Yang to follow. Jaune however, walked forward, arms falling to his sides.

Everything that happened, all that he had done; all the fighting, all the killing – some things remained the same. Peering from behind her, a pair of toddlers appeared from behind her dress. One had wolf ears poking between her blond follicles and the other had a wolf tail similar to that of her mother. After everything; after all the bloodshed and the tears; he fell to a knee, wrapping his arms around the toddlers almost running to him. Taking the pair into his arms, he almost started crying.

Their laughter sounded like music to his tired ears. People around them slowly cheered, clapping and waving banners and flags to get their attention. Jaune however, whisked the two into his strong arms and quickly turned around. "Margaux, Aurore. I want you two to meet some people very dear to me."

The three women kneeling, one was dressed in crimson and bronze, the other in black and the last wore gold and yellow. One by one, they looked up, emerald, amber and lilac, met with pearl and spring greens. They looked at one another, almost mesmerized by what their eyes let them see. "These are my queens. Pyrrha Nikos; Blake Belladonna; Yang Xiao Long."

The two looked almost amazed by what they saw. Reaching out, Pyrrha was the first to move, taking Margaux from Jaune's arms. The toddler gave her a toothy smile, her chubby cheeks puffing slightly. She cooed and asked her questions, some of which the child was able to answer. Jaune couldn't help it – he felt his heart melt. Yang was the next to move, almost springing to her feet and taking Aurore into her own arms – having raised Ruby for most of the scythe-wielder's youth, the green-eyed child warmed up to the blonde quickly, hands roaming and running through her silky, curling blonde hair.

"Come on…your father is waiting." Marie beamed.

Nodding for the others to follow, Blake quickly took Jaune's side, listening to their conversation. "Mom, did Doré, Clair and Rosemary make it?"

"They made it yesterday." Marie nodded. "No need to worry about them, Jaune. How was your flight? I see you've brought an airship to our docks. Are they serving you well?"

"They serve their purpose mother." Jaune chuckled. "The flight was uneventful, thankfully, we didn't fly into any Grimm infestations."

"Is it wise, taking an airship from your fleet?" Marie wondered. "Shouldn't they all stay in Vale, in the event of another Grimm incursion?"

"There are four more airships staying above Vale right now. The Charité, the Bonté, the Paix and the Prévenance. The Espérer is just my personal airship. It carries a detachment of my army and some vehicles in the event of a battle. Nothing too serious."

"No?" Marie looked at him. "I would think that someone who's prepared an army behind our backs would have his flagship more defended. I want you to know, as happy as the people or Orléans are that an Arc has risen to claim kingship, your father and I are quite angry with you."

"Really?" Jaune chuckled once more, turning and pointing at the statues. "That says something else."

"I didn't say we weren't proud of you. We're just…" Marie turned slightly, looking at Blake, Pyrrha and Yang. "What's the reason behind that? Polyamorous Relationship is fancy terminology for a harem. I thought better of you, Jaune."

"I…I don't think this is the best time for this kind of conversation." Jaune looked away.

"You're right." Marie sighed in disbelief. "I just…you're gone and so many things changed in six months…I'm sorry dear, I don't mean to make you uncomfortable."

Blake, realizing she was speaking to her, shook her head. "No need for apologies. My father felt the same way when I explained everything to them. I only hope that you find us worthy of your son."

"It's not worthiness I worry of." Marie laughed half-heartedly. "No, I just want the best for my son and if this is the best…what can I do? I'm just a noblewoman of the Kingdom of Vale. The Arc Compound is just this way."

Roaring out, a forcefield of energy appeared, blocking bullets and blaster fire. Standing in the epicenter, a man with silver hair and amethyst eyes glared at the machines blasting at his shield. The man, almost professional in his movements, raised a battle rifle, pulling the trigger as quickly as he could. One pull; one bullet. Turrets poking from the ceiling burst in a cloud of smoke and flame. Dropping to a knee as the forcefield vanished, he rolled on the floor, dodging bullets and bolts. Rising to his feet once again, a pair of AK-130 robots appeared, crimson blades emerging from their wrists.

Flipping the rifle about, it transformed in his hands, creating a longsword with an extra ten-inch blade from the pommel. Dodging the first swing from the robot, he slashed quickly, removing its arm. He moved about, smooth and silky, like a snake. Throwing his palm out, a forcefield appeared, only to collapse on itself. The power exploded outward, blasting the AK-130 into its partner, the two becoming a tangle of machinery and wires.

Almost possessed, he jumped up, dodging spiraling floor spikes that rotated mercilessly. Landing quietly, he dodged yet more bullets and blaster bolts. He couldn't ignore it any longer, he could feel the timer ticking by. Reaching out, the forcefield appeared once more. Shifting his blade into a rifle again, he placed accurate shots where they needed to be, destroying the last of the ceiling turrets. As the final bolt and screw toppled to the floor, lights turned on, blasting white color throughout the training room. The forcefield vanished and the man collapsed to his knees, panting.

"Well done, brother." Larissa praised. "Though I thought you'd finish sooner."

"Get out of my face, sister." Orion glared. "Don't you have some Faunus to torture?"

"You know I've lost enjoyment in that years ago." The woman scoffed. "Broken servants can't serve properly."

"Is that why you removed one of Ciane's ears?" The boy questioned ruefully. "Is that why you wear that Faunus's antlers still? It's been years."

"What can I say – old trophies of a more glorious time." Larissa walked toward the weapon rack. "Sometimes, a little finesse is needed. What, we all know why I did it."

"She didn't deserve that," Orion scowled, "you did all of that to her because you're a fucking psychopath."

"Semantics," Larissa rolled her eyes, "maybe you shouldn't be messing with my servants."

"Anyway, speaking of finesse, I heard the interviews." Orion dropped the subject quickly, "That Winchester is engaged to some Faunus."

The remains of the AK-130's began to gather, crushing and merging together into a single form. Metal floorings were unlatched and bent. The glass of the observation platform slowly began to crack, shattering ever so slightly. Her fists clenched, shaking violently.

"Watch yourself, Orion." Larissa turned to face him. "Brother or not, I will hurt you."

"Majority support from the Brotherhood's members doesn't mean a damn thing." Orion hissed. "ONYX and I can kick your ass anyway."

"Then LVDR will put you in your place." Larissa's response was harsh, "you and your animals are nothing more than that - animals."

"Similar semblances."

"Similar teams."

"This isn't a fight you're going to win."

"Will the two of you shut up?!" A screech came.

They turned their heads to the observation platform to see their mother, Evanthe Argent, downing another bottle of wine. Beside her was none other than the matriarch of the Schnee family, Willow Schnee. The two of them had dark circles under their eyes, and with the three empty bottles on the floor the pair knew what the two were up to. All animosity forgotten, the pair raised an arm and a platform lowered to the training floor.

"Drinking again, mother?" Larissa narrowed her eyes. Moving quick, she dodged a wine glass, letting it shatter against the metal bars behind her. Unfazed and unaffected, the young Argent crossed her arms over her chest. "Really?"

"The Winchester." Evanthe grumbled. "You were supposed to seduce him and bring Viridian Hollow to the Brotherhood. Now he's traipsing with some Faunus wretch…look how you failed."

"If I remember correctly, you set him up for failure." She flipped her silver bangs from her face. "Having him undergo initiation only weeks after he joined was just asking for him to turn his back. Most aren't initiated until they've spent at least a month being conditioned."

"You should have done more, you bitch." Evanthe hissed. "Your father and I trusted you to bring those Winchesters into the Brotherhood. We needed Viridian Hollow and now without proper Brotherhood presence, we're leaving another city to the Faunus and that Faunus-loving King."

The siblings almost flinched when she spat the word. "You're really bothered by this, aren't you?"

"Why wouldn't I be?" The woman slammed her fist into the table. "We were supposed to rule Vale by now. If not officially, then unofficially. But that weak-minded fool, Cardin, decided to believe his own con and think himself a hero."

"It's the Arc." Willow murmured silently.

"It's the damned Arcs." Evanthe sighed. "It's always them. If it wasn't Adrienne grating my nerves, then it's that howling bitch, Marie."

"Is that envy I hear, mother?" Orion pressed his luck.

"Excuse me?" The woman questioned. "How dare you? I didn't have the Colonels, Admirals and Generals ship you two to Dale to insult me."

"Then why are we here?" Larissa questioned. "It's been weeks with nothing but training and getting yelled at. Not that Atlas Military life is any different, at least I'm not getting scolded by my mother while I'm in Barracks."

"You're here because you have a job to finish." Evanthe, slapped her scroll onto the table. Images flittered to the cracked windows revealing Cardin Winchester and Weiss Schnee. "Larissa, you will finish your task and bring the Winchesters into our faction, no matter what you have to do. And Orion, your father and I have spoken with the High Council and we've agreed that having you seduce Weiss Schnee, heiress to the SDC, would be advantageous to all parties involved. Jacques will come around eventually. I already have a meeting requested soon."

Orion almost choked. "That skinny bitch? Why her?!"

"You're too young for Winter and Weiss is well within your range." Evanthe glared. "I am too drunk to argue with you. You will get the Schnee heiress. I don't want to hear anymore of these disgusting rumors of you and a Faunus. I thought after Ciane, you'd learn your lesson."

"Why do I have to try on…the Winchester?" Larissa looked away.

Evanthe almost laughed. "You think your father and I, or the Council for that matter give a shit about how you feel for that dumb bird? He is but a pawn. Viridian Hollow is what we want."

"But Tanager Winchester still lives." Larissa reminded. "He still owns and rules the city. What's the point–"

"Don't ask questions. There are plans already in place to deal with him." Evanthe quickly interrupted. "I've done what I can in Vale while your father deals with Arcs at Orléans and the SDC. With that damned Arc in Orléans, Beacon is undefended and these two should be easy pickings without the other teammates involved. Right now, when the White Fang have fallen off and the Kingdom is no longer in turmoil, you shouldn't encounter any issues."

"Where is father, by the way?" Larissa questioned as she began to walk away, antlers dangling against her waist.

"He's speaking to old friends and making sure that certain agreements are maintained."

Walking to the door, Larissa ignored the drunken ravings of her mother. Pulling it open and pushing Faunus servants waiting with towels and water, she shuffled through the grey and white walls, customary for their family. Orion standing not too far behind her, glaring at her as they passed. A growl escaping his lips, the boy marched away, unable to even look at her.

Blue was almost frenzied. She was stuffing as much as she needed into a large rucksack. Books, rations and ammunition. Having trained with the White Fang to be a skilled gunman, she knew her way around firearms. Though her hand-to-hand skills were rusted, she could handle a blade or two. Ignoring the drugged parties, the other Faunus were having in their new hideout, she knew what she needed to do. Quickly bending out and throwing steel vambraces over her arms, she looked at her reflection one final time.

Deep blue eyes gazed at a head of dark, almost chocolate, brown hair that cascaded in a fall of curls and natural waves. Poking from her forehead, were the monstrous stumps that never healed. They looked like overgrown tumors, wounds that would never shut. Doing what she can to break away from lingering too long, she looked at her clothing, form-fitting, revealing her curves and wide hips – it was the perfect weapon if she wasn't willing to kill her target. Reaching for the handgun hidden and tucked away into her waist, she sighed with content.

Looking around her, Faunus decorations and abridged White Fang symbolism was spray painted on the concrete walls and pillars. Banners and tapestries hang from the wall fixtures and the concrete floors were covered in expensive rugs coming all the way from Anima. Faunus were plenty here now, devolving to a criminal organization rather than a force for revolution as her hero would call it. She could already see his reaction his he saw what they'd become.

The thought of Moonslice made her shake with worry, but also anticipation. To see Adam Taurus, lead a battle charge again was all she wanted. Clipping the latches and tying knots, she slung the rucksack over her shoulder. It was heavier than expected, but Blue persevered, standing straight, letting the straps do their job, slinging against her shoulder and traps.

Did she have a plan? No, not exactly. Was she stupid enough to actually leave a Kingdom that has no reason to but its nose? Definitely. She could hear blaring beats and angry calls from the larger Faunus as they played blackjack and other card games to pass the time. If they weren't dealing drugs or smuggling people in and out of the country they were definitely training and having fun whenever they could. Many arrived two months before, so green they could make grass jealous. To stand against the juggernaut of military might that the King's Fist is, they'd need more than recruits they picked off the street.

A gang alone could never match the strength the King of Vale could muster. With a heavy heart, remembering everything that they've done, she walked to the door. She was hesitant to open it but she knew she had to. They could not wait any longer; she had to go back to Vale, she had to see for herself just what exactly it was that this King wanted. Twisting the knob of the door, a hand rested on her shoulder.

"Blue."

Turning back, she felt her grip on the rucksack straps loosen. Perry, wearing round rimmed glasses, stood with his own rucksack. Sheathed into his sash, a Dust revolver was seen, glimmering in the flickering lights of torches and lanterns. Beside him, Deery and a few others had their own packs and weapons. Their faces were somber, but understanding.

"What…what are you doing? Why aren't you having fun with everyone else?"

"Eh." Perry shrugged.

Deery smiled softly. "We all saw the footage from the Battle of the Docks…we heard what happened to Menagerie…we can't stand by anymore. We have to go and see what this King is really all about."

"That's not why I'm leaving."

"Adam is gone." Perry said. "H-He's gone. There's nothing we can do about that now. All we can do is to move on and find new purpose outside of the White Fang."

"Sienna's weak and hasn't done a damn thing in Mistral since the King healed Menagerie. I don't expect her to either." Deery added.

"But…" The Faunus sighed in defeat. "I appreciate that you want to come with me, but I feel like I should journey on my own."

"Why? What makes you feel–"

"Cardin Winchester." Blue blurted. Taking Deery and Perry's confused looks, she continued. "T-That name just sounds familiar and if isn't the name then something about his face…I can't remember but I feel like I've honestly seen him before. I've heard that voice before. I just…I just can't remember a damn thing. Ever since I…lost my…I haven't been able to remember anything. But there's just something about him…"

"Well we aren't going to find out if we just stand here talking about it…" Perry said, almost disappointed. Grabbing Blue's open hand, the four left their little hideout and into the sandy streets of Vacuo. "Don't worry, Blue, we'll find him and wring out any information we can get."

Blue didn't know what to say or what to do, but she was glad she had friends like them to look after her. Taking the first Dust Train heading to Viridian Hollow and then Vale, filled her with a sort of dread but excited anxiety. She couldn't put a finger on it, but she hoped that despite everything that happened to her and her friends, she hoped that Cardin Winchester had the answers.

He had to.

Standing between his sisters, Jaune had his arms crossed over his chest. His father was rambling, going on about stock prices, inflation and the refugee crisis. Even with his army and the fancy toys he had at his disposal, the Greater Grimm and the monstrous hordes of Grimm in the badlands of Sanus was still a problem. Jaune couldn't blame the grizzled warrior for feeling that way, but he knew there was more to his half-manic musings. For a desk so clean and reports so little in neat stacks, he was quite organized for someone doing so terrible.

"Father." Rosemary said. "Is there a point to all of this?"

"Yes." Claude fell into his seat. "King. King. King. Do you have any idea just what exactly you've started, Jaune?"

"I know well enough." Jaune answered.

Doré and Clair moved to speak, but their father simply raised a hand.

"And…Queens?! I would have though having seven sisters would keep that thought out of your head!" Claude nearly shouted. "What game are you playing, Jaune? What are you trying to achieve?!"

"I see what's wrong with Vale. A council that's lax and a nation that's undefended. I gave Vale someone to believe in and an army to stand behind."

"Who are you planning to go to war with? What is the point of claiming a throne that no one has wanted for generations?"

"It had to be done." Jaune's answer was as vague as he could keep it. "There are things that you and the council will never understand."

"Then help me understand."

The sisters behind him looked at one another, kicking their feet into the fancy carpets. Marie standing beside Claude seemed to be as curious as well, never having seen those reactions from her daughters. Claude though, didn't seem to notice it and simply stared at his only son. "Well?"

"The Grimm have a leader." Doré spoke first.

"I didn't believe it either until I saw her for myself." Clair answered.

"She is stronger than you think. She has fallen huntsmen in her ranks, corrupted by what we assume to be Grimm Parasites." Rosemary answered. "After the Battle of the Docks, which by the way, was more than some drug deal gone wrong, it was Jaune's first battle with the White Fang. We captured one of her lieutenants and we've been interrogating her since."

"The Grimm…" Marie gasped.

Claude though, his face was unreadable. "Have a leader…"

"Her name is Salem." Jaune said. "She doesn't care whose borders, whose army, whose people; she will kill all of us if we don't stand against her. We can't stand against her, however, if we're bogged down by pointless bureaucracy. All due respect, father, but the council is doing nothing good for Vale."

Claude ran his hands through his hair. "The Council won't stand for this."

"That's no problem, I'm not asking for their approval." Jaune smiled. "I've done well enough without their approval and now, there's a fifth Kingdom rising with their own CCT Tower. Menagerie is healed and thanks to me and the Gods themselves, I've undone centuries, millennia maybe, of oppression and discrimination. I'm not done yet either; there's so much I plan to do for Remnant and I can't do that if I'm to keep hiding in the shadows."

"How did you do it?"

"I had the right contacts. I stayed with my men in the trenches whenever I could. I instilled loyalty. I made those men and women that the Council ignored, know that I cared. I helped build affordable housing; I cleaned the streets; I had my army patrol and arrest and erase the rising crime syndicates. I was merciless when I needed to be and I was merciful when I needed to be. Money was no problem when there are many billionaires in Vale that wished for better opportunity to expand their businesses. Weapons came from my man, who had all the right contacts. Vehicles, same thing. All we needed was well within our grasp because of the people he knew."

"Jaune." Claude began. "You're glazing over a lot of details. I meant…how did you heal Menagerie? How did you heal Vale?"

"It's a long story." Jaune shrugged. "I doubt you have the time to sit down and listen to all of it. We're here to talk and we're talking. I've already told the story several times of VNN with Lisa Lavender – I have no reason to lie."

Rising from his seat, Claude and Marie walked to the four adults. Their eyes glancing between them, looking at their power armor, their weapons now tempered with blood. It was something neither of them ever expected would happen so soon. Rosemary was a huntress already but she didn't have her first sentient kill until a couple years into her tenure. Clair, Jaune and Doré however, were just children still studying in school. They couldn't help it. Tears began to fall from their tired eyes. Instead of standing in cold sorrow, a pair of arms wrapped around them both.

It didn't take long, but the rest of them followed suit, arms clutching their parents in tight hugs. They didn't speak; there was no need to. He was afraid; Marie was worried. It was understandable, expected, even. Taking in one another's warmth, it was the first time they hugged as a family in almost a decade. They had fallen out so long ago, the patriarch of the Arc family wasn't sure he'd ever get the chance to hold his children like this again. This was why he never wanted Jaune to leave him too – he couldn't stomach losing another child to the Huntsman academies.

"Jaune." Claude whispered. "I'm proud of you. Rosemary; I'm proud of you too. Doré, Clair; I'm proud of you. All of you have done so much, so well, in your time away from Orléans and you've each grown into marvelous men and women. I know the last King of Vale is smiling at you. Jon and Joan are smiling in the heavens knowing our family line is in good hands."

"Father." Jaune looked him in the eyes; sapphire with red and golden flakes met with pure sapphire. "The sun has risen over the Arc family again. With it, prosperity for all our people. I swear it."

The four-day weekend boiled away smoothly. Claude and Marie fell in love with the three Queens, much to Jaune's relief. They ate, they feasted and the people of Orléans had festivals and parades dedicated to their honor. Banners, confetti and music as loud as thunder played for days on end, even when they were gathering on the Espérer and waving goodbyes. He was sure going to miss it, but at least this time, he won't spend so long away from home. He owed it to his people to be there for them. He knew Yang and Blake were definitely going to miss it – the food was too good to pass up, crepes for days. As the skylines of Vale came into view, both North of the great river and South, he could see the sister ships hovering over the city with wings of Hornets flying by.

However, violently clutching the railing of his observation post, he could see other airships, ones that came from Atlas. Unknowingly channeling Pyrrha's semblance, the metal railings indescribable. Their vehicles were plain, white and a dark navy blue. Their aircraft zoomed by, some with the shape of Manta and the others looked like weaponized Bullheads. Nevertheless, he could easily count five airships; each had the carrying capacity of two battalions; hundreds of Atlesian Knights and if his memory served correctly, Atlesian Paladins. If James decided to show up now; Jaune knew he was going to have hell.

He could almost see it; Ironwoods face. Suddenly, memories of how the General betrayed them in Atlas, how he threw his friends and forces to the wolves, forcing their retreat to the Island of Vytal. Memories he thought would forget – Ren died because of that man. CRDL died because of him. Weiss died because of him. Yang died because of him. Flaring his aura again, the metal railings began to glow, slowly beginning to melt in his hands. The heat radiated in every direction, soon, wirings were undone, sparking across the command center. Before he realized it, Yang took his shoulders into her arms, massaging him, slowly bringing him back to the present.

"Jaune?" Yang asked. "Please…calm down."

"H-How can I?!" Jaune nearly shouted. "That…that bastard is here and who–"

"I'm still alive. Pyrrha is still alive. Blake is still alive. Weiss is still alive. Ren is still alive." Yang soothed. "We're all still here. Whatever happened in the future-past, is none of your concern. You're here to erase that future. We're here to change the future. Stop it before you fall back and undo months of hard work to better yourself. I understand the stakes and I know just how afraid you are."

"I'm not afraid."

"You are." She said, her tone firm. He could feel her lilac eyes shifting to crimson. "But I promise you, we aren't going to fall for the same tricks Salem has. Things are different now, you'll see it."

Taking heaving breaths, the Arc sighed out in defeat. The flames that ignited in his hair were doused, his glowing hands faded and best of all, the wiring and all the electronic functions went back to normal as if nothing was undone. Opening his eyes, the golden light faded from his irides and was quickly flooded by his sapphire blues, flaked with crimson lines. Turning to face the blonde, he saw Blake and Pyrrha visibly relax, almost relieved.

"I remember what you told me in the lounge that day Cardin first popped up." Yang said. Tilting his head down, she pressed her forehead against his, eyes locking. "I remember you saying you were worried about Atlas showing up because of what happened to all of us; to me. But remember, Jaune, that was before, this is now. We have a chance to make it better if we try. So what, if Ironwood in the future betrays us; we've already changed history. I'll admit, I don't understand it all that much, but things led to him acting out. Since we've changed a lot of it, I don't doubt for a second that he has any of the same reasoning to turn on you."

"But Yang…" Jaune said. "He…"

"I don't wanna hear another word." Yang said through gritted teeth. "Whatever happens, we'll stand beside you."

Jaune looked at her with wide eyes. The same words she said to him in the past, the same words she said rallying what little survivors of Mistral there were. She was so strong that day, raising her robotic arm to the sky, glowing with fire and aura. Shaking slightly, his hands held Yang by her waist, pulling her in for a tight kiss. Much to her surprise, she immediately reciprocated, hands sliding up his shoulders and to his head topped with scraggly blond hair. Breaking apart, there was a silence between them, but one of understanding. He nodded, releasing her from his grip and looked to the two women behind them.

"Care to explain?" Blake asked with a raised brow. "I remember you telling me that Yang died in Atlas, you just never said how."

"Well…when Anima was sunk into the ocean, we had no other choice but to run to Atlas. The next relic was under attack and Salem was fighting to get her hands on the winter maiden which up until then, was unknown." Jaune said. "When we arrived in Atlas, we were treated like invaders and were shot down outside of Mantle. We fought hard against the Atlas military. It took a while, but we managed to wring the city Mantle away from Atlas control and rallied the Faunus that were treated poorly to fight beside us."

"Yang and I gathered everyone together to go to Atlas because where else were we going to go? Salem sent Grimm of all shapes and sizes, even weird mutated ones. Not only that, but the White Fang joined her and were leading the ground assault with military grade weaponry, aircraft and artillery. They even had fucking tanks. We were pushed back to the wastes of Solitas until lo and behold, Ironwood finally got his head out of his ass and sent a fleet to help us. Did it do anything? Not really, but it did give us enough time to escape the fields and ride airships into Atlas proper."

"When we arrived, the entire city was in chaos. People were looting and rioting and the Grimm were already in the lower city. They were killing one another just to get a loaf of bread. Food was scarce, weapons were scarce and ammo was all but spent. The Atlas military didn't do much either, cracking down on anyone who questioned the general, so what do we do? We question the damn general. We shout, we plead and we try our damnedest to turn him around, but he's too deadest on believing his military will do anything substantial to stop Salem."

Yang looked away, keeping her hands on Jaune. "Yang and I were supposed to get married. Next thing I know, we're getting bombed by White Fang bombers that broke through the Atlesian Air Fleet. We all know what happened next…"

"Oh…" Pyrrha and Blake looked to one another, eyes trailing to the floor.

"Everything changed that day. Ruby closed off and Weiss died a week later when the SDC rebelled against Ironwood and was attacked. Cardin lost his leg and the rest of CRDL was slaughtered by Grimm the general practically sic'd on us. So, don't be surprised if I'm not entirely too trusting of the general…"

"Your Grace." A man called from below. "We're nearing Beacon Academy."

"Understood, Stork." Jaune nodded. "You heard the Admiral. Let's go…"

Walking through the halls of the airship, they arrived at the hangar looking at the LAHAT that waited for them. Decorated with a golden crown with antlers, Jaune smiled at the artistry of his troops. Getting into the holding bay, soldiers stood at attention, raising their hands to their foreheads in perfect salute. Sharing nods with those present, they let the doors stay open as they clutched the rubber railings hanging from the ceiling.

The vehicle shook, rising into the air, repulsor lifts working perfectly. Drifting out of the hangar, the three watched as the great expanse of buildings, skyscrapers and towers spread to the blue and white horizon. Within the great river, ships and trade boats drifted down the silvery waters. Birds were in the air, singing and falling into arrow formations beside their craft.

"Your Grace, some Atlesian Mantas aren't taking off the landing pads." The pilot called.

Jaune rolled his eyes. "Tell the control at the landing pads to expedite incoming traffic. We're gonna be late for classes."

"Understood."

Jaune watched as the LAHAT came to a slow, hovering halt, drifting through the winds at a snail's pace. He chuckled for a moment, wondering if taking the passenger airships would have been a better decision. He had classes, damnit, that A plus wasn't going to maintain itself. New Semester, new grades. Before he could continue, five Mantas took off, flying toward one of the Atlesian airships hovering close to the Academy. The landing was quick and almost abrupt, even. Nodding and waving the pilot goodbye, the four exited and were immediately met by their teammates, dressed in uniform.

"Do I have to tell you that we're all going to be ten minutes LATE?!" Weiss screeched. She pointed to her scroll and the three watches she was wearing on her wrists.

"Late?" Yang picked at her ear. "C'mon Wiess-scream, it's just breakfast."

"Just breakfast?!" Weiss shouted once again. "It's the most important meal of the day and–"

"Hey…" Ren said. "Look."

All heads immediately snapped to Ren who merely pointed to the far end of the landing pads. Neptune held his hands up while Sun tried his best to look embarrassed. Standing in front of them, a pair of white haired, amethyst eyed people. One had her hair in long, thick curls with a swoop of bangs covering her left eye. The one beside her was a tall man with his white hair cut into high fade. Their faces were scrunched with disgust, but it was clear they were trying to hold whatever they were feeling in. There was something about them that seemed familiar to Jaune.

"Hey guys." Cardin's voice shook them from their stares. "What're you nerds looking…at…oh no…"

"Birdy, what's wrong?" Velvet asked, clutching his arm with worry. Suddenly, she winced in pain, pushing away from him. "C-Cardin?"

"Cardin." Jaune turned to him. The man was glowing. "Hey! Cardin!"

"No…" He whispered. His arms began to shake, his eyes were wide and sweat trickled down his temples and neck. His forehead was drenched and teeth were barred, biting into his lip, drawing blood. "No…"

"Hey! Yo, boss! They're serving ribs!" Dove and the rest of his team appeared. Russel without thinking ignored his glowing and tried to grab him, but immediately winced, holding his steaming hand. "What the fuck, man?!"

Before he could continue shouting, Dove elbowed him, how blond brows furrowing with fury. "Look."

His tone was something none of them had heard before. Ruby backed away slightly, even Nora. Questions flowed like a broken water dam, but no answers were given. Jaune stepped to the man, but he simply raised a gloved hand. "She's here, Jaune."

"Who's here?" Jaune asked incredulously.

Snapping to face him, Pyrrha and Blake gasped. The look he had was horrifying; it twisting and contorting in sorts of unnatural ways. His rage was reflected with how his aura was practically burning through his armor. His semblance was building to explosive pressure. Speeding forward, leaving nothing but a shimmering orange afterimage. Jaune turned to the rest of CRDL, but Russel and Dove were already gone, chasing after the man.

Sky held his hands against his slicked grey hair. "I c-can't believe it…t-they're here."

"Who's here?!" Jaune roared this time, making all near him flinch at the tone. "Answer me, damn it!"

"The Argents."

"Hey, it was an accident man." Sun said. His brows slowly furrowed. "We didn't see you."

"Shut up, monkey." Orion hissed. "I'll deal with you after I deal with blue haired joke."

"What, he hits you accidentally with his gun." Sun hissed. "And you think it's right to just sock him in the eye?! What is wrong with you dude?!"

"What did I just say–"

Before he could swing his hand around, a glowing hand caught the fist. Orion roared in pain, but quickly received a knee to the guts before being tossed across the landing pad like a sack of potatoes. The man recovered smoothly, tempted to draw his weapon, but he realized who it was. His team had already drawn their weapons ready to fight back, but after shouting to them to stop, they sheathed every blade, gun and spear. As students whipped out scrolls, snapping pictures and recording, the other one started to walk to him, her hands up in defense.

"Cardin." She said.

He fought against her charms. Her voice sounded as sweet as it always did – she could play even the strongest of men as if they were putty. He ignored her wiles; he ignored her words. He could see her stupid lips moving, he could feel her heinous gaze on him. He wanted to strike, but he knew he shouldn't. Sun behind him was getting ready to fight too, as was Sage as the giant man came running up. Before he knew it, almost every Fireteam showed up ready for action.

"Cardin, please." She said once more.

"Don't listen to that fucking bitch, Cardin." Dove twirled his sword. "Let me at her! I'll fucking kill her!"

"Leave her braindead brother to me!" Russel shouted, his daggers glimmering in the sunlight.

Wiping his face of dirt and blood, Orion only smirked. "You know what, Russel, I'll take your bet on that! What can your scrawny ass do?!"

"Orion!" Larissa shouted. "Stop it!"

"Don't pretend to be the mediator here, you skank!" Dove hissed. "You don't think we don't know what you did to Cardin?! What you made him do?!"

"Listen here, Bronzewing. This doesn't concern you." Larissa growled. "I don't want to fight."

"Then why are you and your brother trying to fight Sun and Neptune?!" Russel hissed. "Don't give us that bullshit."

"You're nothing but Brotherhood pawns." Cardin finally said. "You're nothing but sick minded, ignorant, racist fucks who have no place here!"

His aura exploded outward, scorching heat rushed around him, nearly blowing back a few students. "Get your shit and get out."

"Don't be like that, Cardin." Larissa tried to reason.

"Shut up!" Cardin roared.

"Cardin!" Another voice came. Pushing through the gathered huntsmen and huntresses, Velvet arrived, almost hopping over to the barrel-chested man. Despite the heat, she reached over and took his arm into her own, clutching him. "Stop this! You're making a scene."

Almost immediately, he turned to face her. Her big chocolate eyes watered with worry, she wanted him to step away and be the bigger man. She wanted him to stop. "Please…"

Larissa though felt her blood boil at the sight. Seeing her bunny ears tilt slightly, seeing her calming the storm the way she used to, she had to fight the urge, she had to fight it all. But to see that a Faunus of all the people, managed to worm her way into his heart, really ticked her off. What did the animal have that she didn't? Why did her mother have to torture her like this?!

Walking forward, guns, swords and spears were immediately drawn from the host of Fireteams standing in front of her. Soldiers of the King's Fist did the same, firearms and swords drawn in their direction. People started shouting, commanding her to stay back. She looked between the assault rifles and the score of Huntsmen waiting to strike her and the scared bunny holding onto Cardin for dear life. Before she could do anything else, weapons were lowered and the tensions were slowly boiling away. Standing between the pair, a new one, the one she was looking for.

Jaune stood between the two groups, the bronze accents of his armor now glowing gold. His blue eyes were now like golden coins, blaring with energy. Upon his head, a pair of large, healthy, golden antlers. He glared at the two Argents, but his hands remained open. No words were shared, but at least they weren't held at gunpoint. Larissa nodded at the King, keeping her mouth shut.

"I don't care what you're here for or why you chose to attack Neptune." Jaune said. "But I won't tolerate any violence on the school grounds. I know about your allegiance to the Brotherhood and I know your disposition to Faunus kind."

As he spoke, Pyrrha, Yang and Blake arrived. Amber eyes met amethyst and Blake almost drew Gambol Shroud. "I understand, Your Grace."

"Don't patronize me." Jaune followed quickly. "Any grievances you have, take it up with your father, Larissa. I'll be meeting him soon enough. Everyone else! Stand down and go about your business!"

"But, Jaune!" Dove shouted.

"Dove!" He cried back. "Go and eat breakfast and get ready for first period. All you, do the same. We're done here…"

"Jaune." Larissa called as the crowds parted.

Yang felt her eyes shift to crimson. "You have no right call him by his name."

"Don't bite off more than you can chew, Your Grace." She said. "You may be king, but you don't know the kind of connections the Brotherhood has. Thank you, though, for calming your dogs. You could have had a worse situation."

As soon as she was out of earshot, Blake ran up to the blond. No longer glowing and no longer with antlers, she grabbed him. Pulling him aside she and the others were prepared to slap him. "What the fuck, Jaune? What the fuck?! Are we just going to do nothing?"

"That's exactly what we're going to do." He answered. "Look, I know you're pissed but–"

"Pissed doesn't even begin to describe how I'm feeling." Blake turned away from him. Pacing slightly, she brought her hands to her head, rubbing her temples. "The Brotherhood was unlike anything we in the White Fang ever faced. EVER. They don't care about laws and their connections are within businesses, governments! They can get away with practically anything. Especially them! Their parents are the Alexios and Evanthe Argent. They are champions of their organization. The Argents are known to all in Fang for being the human equivalent of Adam. Yes, that Adam. They don't give a shit. They will try to get at us. Worse, they'll try to get at Cardin through Velvet."

"She doesn't deserve that!" Yang growled. "I say we give those two a good pummeling or two to teach them a lesson."

"No." Jaune said once more. "We will do absolutely nothing."

"But Jaune." Pyrrha even questioned him. "Velvet is innocent. Her only crime is being a Faunus and being with Cardin – those alone aren't even criminal. How she looked at them, how she was prepared to strike – that is criminal. Isn't it our jobs as the Queens of this Kingdom to make sure your law is followed?!"

"No." Jaune pushed off the wall and grabbed the three of them together. "We will do nothing because we have no proof. It's like you said, Blake, the Brotherhood has connections in the government of all Four Kingdoms. They can twist words and pull strings to where you could be imprisoned and any good work that your father has been doing will be tainted and no one will listen to him. Before you know it, Menagerie has an army on its shores."

"Yang, your father could lose his teaching license and wind up in prison. Pyrrha, you'll lose all renown and before you know it, the Four Kingdoms will be against us when right now, our support is at its height. We cannot risk doing anything without gaining enough evidence first. We need it. We need the people of the world to see just how sick and depraved the Brotherhood really is. We can't do that if footage of you three beating down siblings based on some mean things, circulates the CCTN."

Pyrrha nodded. It took Yang a moment, but she too relented. Blake however, still needed to be convinced. She crossed her arms over her chest turning away from the boy. "I fought the Brotherhood for years beside Adam and Sienna. We faced them time and time again, and you expect me to sit back and watch when two of their highest-ranking members stands before us…I don't know if I can do it, Jaune."

"Blake." Yang reached out, taking her shaking hands. "It's okay. We'll be with you every step of the way. I'm not leaving you, neither is Pyrrha. We'll help you stay calm."

"Thing is, I don't even know what I need to stay calm." Blake sighed in disbelief. "I just want to break something. I want to hurt something."

Jaune sighed as well, putting a hand on her shoulder. "Don't push yourself Blake. I'll send RWBY out into the Forever Fall tonight to handle Grimm incursions in the area."

"Ah." Blake nodded. "Killing Grimm is always copacetic."

"You said it, not me." Jaune motioned for her to follow. "Please, trust me. We'll hurt them in a way that they'll never recover."

"But how?"

"An Empire that falls from its enemies, rebuilds. An Empire that falls from within, it's dead." Jaune nodded. "The only way to truly beat them is putting them against one another. Did you see how she didn't step up to defend her brother? Ren sensed negative energies coming from them, directed at one another. Clearly there's another angle that we don't know…that means it's something we can exploit. Just, trust me."

"Fine…I'll trust you, Jaune." Blake nodded. It was uncertain at first, but after taking several deep breaths and shaking her arms and body, she nodded firmly. "I trust you, Jaune."

"Good. Now come on." His face split into a beaming smile. "You heard Russel – Ribs!"

Letting them walk along, Blake turned slightly, amber eyes looking at the silhouettes of the Argent siblings. Larissa and Orion seemed to be shouting at one another, swinging their arms around and stomping their feet while their teams watched from the sidelines, almost like drones. They were soulless, nameless and looked as generic as generic went. Blake took another deep breath, successfully fighting the urge, she followed her lovers and the smell of roasting meat.

In the distant wasteland of industry and abandoned warehouses, bodies were strung about, bleeding and eviscerated. A man ran back and forth, fumbling with his magazine. Tumbling slightly, he almost dropped his weapon and his only source of salvation. Crawling about, he dragged his limp leg and forced himself behind a few large crates. He cursed under his breath, forgetting to drop his empty magazine first. The clicks were too loud, the dropping of spent casings louder still in the dark, bloody, rank, warehouse. Looking through the visor of his Grimm mask, he couldn't take it anymore.

Ripping of the standard issue headgear and throwing it over the railing, he shuddered against the crate, hearing the screams of his brothers and sisters echoing throughout the derelict building. Hanging from the ceiling, bodies were covered in what seemed to be a thick spider silk. Gunmen below were cut down in a field of fire by an invisible force. Even with barrel flashes and firebombs, the being that moved about could not be seen. She was untraceable even with their natural affinity for night vision. Zipping between cranes and internal pillars, a dark shadow zoomed about, picking up lone fighters and dropping their pieces, showering the survivors in blood and entrails.

But there was one. One that truly terrified him. He could hear his boots slam against the metal grates the upper bridges used for flooring. He could hear bullet crashing with his blade. Nothing could stop the one coming for him. There was something behind him, a lone warrior ready for death. As expected, a powerful slice was heard and a hard thud followed afterward. Another dead, leaving just his shaking form and the creatures they brought. He couldn't do it. He couldn't do it. He couldn't do it.

"I know you're there." His voice was menacing.

"Come out and play." Another said, her voice was harsh, coarse and gravel-like. "Don't tell me you're afraid of some spiders."

"Maybe he's afraid of the dark." Another, feminine as well, though softer, followed.

"He's clearly not afraid of heights." The fourth was rough, followed with whipping winds and flapping wings. "Maybe I should give him a tour."

Landing above him, the face of Yuma appeared. His large wings spread out, covering him in shadow under the midday sun. Beside him, from the shadows, Ilia arrived, her skin shifting colors from pitch black to pale white. From the ceiling, Trifa slithered down on a single strand of webbing, upside down and smirking. But it was the shriek of steel sliding from its scabbard that really set the Faunus off. Hairs rose on the back of his neck.

"There you are."

"A-Adam…" He whispered. "Y-You're alive!"

"I'm more than alive."

Reaching out, his gloved hand grabbed the Faunus by his throat, lifting him into the air. His legs dangled and the wolf tail he had wrenched in pain. As the air began to flee, the Faunus was dropped. He tried to crawl away, but Ilia kicked his rifle away. Quickly reaching for his sidearm, Trifa shot out a rope of web, latching onto the handgun and pulling it from its holster. Trying once more to defend himself, or worse, kill himself, he tried to grab the sword sheathed into his back. Yuma though, saw this coming and swooped down, putting the wolf into a half-nelson grip. Now face-to-face with what Adam Taurus had become, the wolf paled, anxious and terrified. With Wilt pressed against his stomach, Adam smirked.

"Where is Cinder Fall?"

So, Lariss and Orion, brother and sister and heir and heiress of the Argent family
Have arrived at Beacon for the Vytal Festival Tournament

Yes. I'm going to have the Tournament.

No. I will not tell you if I'm going to have the Fall of Beacon happen.
Yes. We are going to see a Cinder fight.
No. I will not tell you what happens.
Yes. Blue will learn that there's a lot that she doesn't understand.

So, there is a lot of shit that's gonna happen in this arc and a lot of changes

So, please, please, please, give me feedback.
Follow, Favorite and Review!

ja ne!

gottahavekyuubi