So here's something I've had for a while eventually this might become its own fic again but until then I figured I'd put it in here and see if I still got the fire to keep it going. You know like a sort of test.
Chapter 10 A Forlorn Knight 1 (Rewrite)
Concept: A rewrite of A Forlorn Knight
Appearance: None
The Breach, using the railway system from the abandoned and forgotten Mt. Glenn the Vale branch's White Fang members broke through the walls of the City of Vale. By far it was considered the most destructive act of terrorism by the once peaceful group to date, if not for the intervention of Beacons freshmen team RWBY the casualties would've undoubtedly reached the hundreds at minimal. However, the credit was not solely that of RWBY's alone, the teachers of Beacon had contributed to the effort with Glynda Goodwitch the number 1 huntress being the one responsible for its sealing.
Alongside the staff upper classman such as Team CFVY had contributed alongside foreign teams like that of CMEM and SSSN from Haven. Most notably were that of the Atlesian fleet led by James Ironwood. However, there was another group, another freshmen team of Beacon who'd conveniently hadn't yet left for a patrol mission towards a frontier village.
Team JNPR, the sister team of RWBY and host to the strongest huntress-in-training of their generation and the four-year winner of the Mistral Regional Tournament. Alongside her was the power couple (Though none would call them such out loud) Nora Valkyrie and Lie Ren, however the final member and leader of their team was just as well known as the other seven but for less grand means. The partner to Pyrrha Nikos and leader to Team JNPR Jaune Arc.
Jaune Arc son to Julius and Aria Arc and proud brother to seven sisters, loved by his friends (Minus one Snow Angel) and team alike. However, with that being said Jaune's entrance into the prestigious Beacon Academy was one of mystery to the student body. Jaune was neither strong nor fast and his skill and technique left much to be desired, in fact even with his notable aura pool Jaune still remained the weakest student in Beacon with not even a single win beneath his belt.
However, where was once a complete bumbling dunce was now an 'almost' complete bumbling dunce, while his skills still remained that of mediocre Jaune had accomplished a few notable task. He was the first to befriend the invincible girl Pyrrha Nikos as well as be her sole disciple and despite his lackluster grades Jaune showed keen insight and tactical knowledge. However, what allowed the student body to accept the Arc was the Forever Fall incident where Jaune saved his long-time bully Cardin Winchester.
These actions alongside his determination to lead his team into the upcoming Vytal Festival is what made the once looked down upon Arc a now accepted Huntsman-in-training of Beacon. Currently said student was keeling over as he and his brother in all but blood Ren did much the same each taking in large desperate gulps of air. While they're partners stood ramrod straight hovering over they're partners a tab of concern present. Jaune smiled as he leaned back laughing surprising the other three especially his partner.
"Jaune what's wrong?" This earned a wave of the wannabee Knight's hand.
"It's nothing bad Pyrrha… 'wheeze' Just glad I finally took down my first Grimm 'heh' just wish it was a Ursa Major though." This earned a tilt of the champions head.
"But Jaune what about the Ursa Major from the Forever Falls?" To that Jaune turned to her a smile on his face.
"I don't recall telling you about my fight in Forever Falls Pyrrha." The Spartan blinked before a fluster took her face.
"I-I just assumed…" At her stumbling for words the wheezing blonde chuckled.
"Relax Pyrrha I already know that you helped me out with your polarity." The amazon froze in place before looking to him shocked.
"When did you figure out?" Jaune flashed her a cheesy smile.
"Just now, though I had an inkling about it for a while, after all we practiced so much with your semblance that it'd be weirder if I didn't notice." To his words the spartan looked down embarrassed to which earned a huge grin from Nora.
"Pyrrha got caught red handed Renny." The other male of the team nodded before looking to Jaune.
"I hope you won't hold it against her Jaune, while I don't approve of lying, I certainly think she did so with only the best of intentions at heart." Jaune smiled him.
"Yeah, I know besides beating that Grimm really helped my ego back then so it's not like I don't get why she lied. But now, here I did It all on my own …" A smile came over the bumbling Knight's face as he looked to his family's sword before a small tinge of guilt followed.
"Heya Vomitboy, P-Money!" Turning the four were greeted by the sight of their sister team RWBY of which his first friend and fellow leader Ruby lead. The powerhouse of the team Yang strode forth a confidence in her step as per the usual but with a notable limp betraying her rough battle. Nora was the first to respond with her bombastic cheer of their team's name followed by hugging the nearest vict- I mean friend. Yang visibly winced in the Valkyries hold with the tells of her semblance manifesting proving the damage she was taking.
Walking Alongside his fellow leader was his crush the SDC's heiress though that fact had only become known by him recently Weiss Schnee. What threw the knight for a loop though was that at the sight of him she didn't turn away nor even scoff. A very welcomed if not sudden change, but he'd take what he could get after all how often do you get to restore a burned bridge.
Finally following close behind was Blake who looked notably more at peace a welcomed change of pace from the recently obsessive tendencies revolving around the White Fang. It was with the look of relief and calm on the girl's face that the dots finally connected as the bumbling Knight recalled the location of they're mission.
"You guys were investigating this weren't you?" He didn't mean to ask honestly; it was just that the words sort of slipped out and in response the four girls stilled. Jaune was the first to look around making sure nobody was within ear shot before lowering his head.
"Sorry I didn't mean to accuse you guys of anything… it was just, well… sorry." He really should know better than that after all while Ruby and Yang may be a bit adventurous and risk taking, Blake and Weiss were far too rational to let such happen. Pyrrha seemed to understand his worries and patted his back.
"Jaune I'm sure they haven't taken what you've said to offense." His partners words helped him calm and no sooner did he stand straight again rubbing his head.
"'Heh' Thanks Pyrrha, it was stupid of me to think they'd do something like that without telling anyone." It was only then that his team noticed the nervous shuffling of their sister Team alongside a seemingly riddled with guilt Ruby.
"Ruby? Is everything okay?" The petite Reaper avoided meeting his gaze, he looked to her sister for answers and in response the blonde brawler rubbed the back of her head chuckling. It was only when he looked to the two usually rational individuals of they're team and saw them both acting oddly did he realize.
"You guys… did know this was gonna happen?" The four looked to him shocked before Ruby rushed forward to speak.
"No we didn't I swear! I mean we did know Roman and the fang were doing something bu-!" Jaune quickly clasped his hands over his best friend's mouth before she yelled out anything else incriminating. Turning he saw a thoroughly surprised Pyrrha and Nora and an unusually serious Ren. Turning back to the four girls he spoke in a slightly nervous tone
"Listen guys I know you probably wanna sleep but, maybe you could explain things to us before Ruby says something else that could get the teacher's or Atlas force's attention." To that the four nodded albeit reluctantly, and slowly all eight made their way unto a Bullhead. The four just looked to one another with the only person seemingly unaffected being Nora who hummed to herself happily. It took a while but after Pyrrha sealed the pilot's room via her semblance the members of RWBY slowly spoke up about they're escapades. The more Jaune heard the more his jaw fell after all he and the others only knew about the White Fang incident from the news and thought it was coincidental.
However, the docks, they're admitted espionage and more Jaune wanted to scream how much of an idiot he was for not knowing. Once more if that wasn't enough Jaune looked to Blake who caught his stares at her bow and grew nervous looking away.
'sigh'
Looks like our hunch was right huh? Wait… could the reason she been so out of it be because of the White Fang… could she have been.
Looking to his left both Pyrrha and Ren locked eyes with him seeming to come to the same conclusion, but before either could speak she gripped they're arms and shook his head.
It didn't matter Blake was they're friend and even if… even if she was once one of them today she fought for Vale, that made her on their side right?
Seeming to understand the gist of his meaning the two nodded though Ren was a note more annoyed an unusual sight to say the least. Finally, it was Ruby's voice that brought him from his little wordless conversation.
"We're sorry!" Jaune was surprised when in front of him his best friend was lowering her head to the surprise of her teammates.
"We should've told you… But we thought we could handle it." Jaune readied to comfort his pal but was cut off when the arm of his teammate Ren came forth blocking him.
"Why didn't you tell anybody?" The four looked to Ren surprised when they were met by a stern gaze.
"Renny?" The boy's magenta eyes narrowed on the four.
"Do you have any idea what could've happened… what did happen." Jaune tried to pat his teammates back but was shoved away as he maintained his glare. Seeming to have had enough Blake begun to speak.
"Listen we understand what we did was unprofessional bu-"
"Unprofessional? Unprofessional! No what you did wasn't just that but also dangerous to Vale! People could've died because you thought you could handle this yourselves when there are teachers and actual huntsman on the job." Yang seemed to have enough of the Mistralian's accusations and moved to confront him only to be met with a now serious Nora and while she seemed opposed to fighting they all knew she would for her partner.
"Do you have any idea what you did? You knowingly allowed a Grimm incursion to happen in Vale." Those words seemed to register deeply into the fours psyche and in Nora's gaze Jaune spotted something similar to that of an unpleasant recollection.
"If you had wanted to help people you should've informed somebody, anybody! But instead you went in thinking you could do better than actual veterans. If even a single life was lost… Then it is just as much on your heads then Roman's or the White Fan-!"
"Ren!" Jaune's hand clasped over his shoulder before pulling him and was met by a stern glare from the boy he considered family. Burning magenta met stoic azure before the orphan finally gave in exhaling.
"They endangered Vale for they're pride." It wasn't a question or an accusation but a fact and that seemed to ring in all four of the girl's minds as they visibly shuddered. Yet despite the truth to it Jaune couldn't just leave it at that not with the four being put in a corner and spoke.
"They made a mistake Ren… a big one but still, you forgave me for what I almost did to Pyrrha remember?" Ren looked to him sternly.
"That's not the same." Jaune nodded his head.
"Your right… it's not but the fact remains that I almost did something that could've put all three of you at risk and do you remember what you said." At his words Ren gritted his teeth.
"What you did doesn't matter, what does is the result." Jaune nodded.
"They made a mistake Ren, a huge one but what should've happened didn't." Ren maintained his gaze for minutes until finally he exhaled his anger seeming culled by his semblance. Turning to the members of RWBY his eyes spoke volumes of his disapproval.
"Just this once… they're won't be a second chance." To his words, the members of their sister team visibly relaxed nearly all the tension gone. Ruby then looked to him thankfully.
"Thanks Jaune, and sorry we didn't tell you…" That seemed to strike a chord in him as he pondered Ren's words, they're sister team's inability to tell them had nearly led to a tragedy. With that a stray thought took hold.
"What if one of your teammates die because of you?" He recalled the Ursa and even the creep and Beowulf he'd managed to take out after words. Yet between all those Grim they were but a penny in the well, what if team RWBY, Nora or Ren had entrusted him with they're back because they thought him a huntsman like them. That thought made a pit in his stomach, how many times would he put his team at risk, he had no training outside of Pyrrha and the past few months.
If something had happened at the frontier village what could he have done? Nothing… he knew that was the answer and it left him guilt ridden, had he been putting his friends… His family at risk by not telling them. He spared his partner a single glance and it was then that he saw decided as he remembered how supportive she was. With that small iota of confidence, he turned to his friends and took in a deep breath before he spoke.
"Guys… There's something I need to tell you…"
-Headmaster's Office-
When he was first called to the Ozpin's office he didn't know what to suspect, he'd honestly thought his team would either be thanked by Ozpin for their assistance during the Breach or Reprimanded by Miss Goodwitch for their failure to see they're mission through after mister Branwen reported they're failure to show up at the rendezvous point.
However, what he expected and what he got were completely different, he remembered stepping into the office from the elevator alongside his team only to be met by the sight of Team RWBY. Before the four girls stood four others, of course he recognized Professor Oobleck, miss Goodwitch and Ozpin himself however the fourth individual was a surprise to him. Standing there was a man of notable height that breathed power he wore a white uniform; his eyes were a greyish blue and in his hair was streaks of grey and silver.
Finally, there was the strip of metal above the man's right eyebrow and with that Jaune knew who was currently looking at him with an analytical gaze. It was the man who held the most power in Atlas, in charge of both the military and huntsman academy alike and holder of two seats with the Atlesian Council. James Ironwood, Jaune felt his legs shake under the man's gaze but somehow maintained his composure even as Ozpin requested the other's two leave. He remembered the look of concern on his partners face as she and the others were escorted out by Oobleck, however he also remembered the look on the members of RWBY's faces… guilt.
"Jaune Arc." Jaune turned to them and unable to look at the general he focused on Ozpin who despite his less heavy air still breathed pressure that threaten to break the young blonde.
"I'm afraid some rather, unsatisfying knowledge has come to light over the legitimacy of your transcripts." Jaune felt his breath catch in his throat as he struggled to speak.
"'Gulp' M-My transcripts sir?" Ozpin nodded and looked to him in his gaze Jaune spotted sympathy which only served to cement his thoughts that much more.
No…
Through his mind the shocked faces of his sister team came to mind, but that couldn't be… they said it hadn't mattered. He recalled the disbelief in Ren's and Nora's gaze, and they're silence to him afterwards, but he knew it was rightfully given. He'd hope that after a while they could reconcile it was with a heavy heart that he asked.
"W-who told you?" The headmaster looked to him and breathed out solemnly.
"That would be miss Rose's team, to be more accurate miss Xiao-Long." Jaune's mouth went dry at the words.
"Of course we attempted to see if the claim was true, mister Lie affirmed they're claims." Jaune froze not able to believe what he was hearing.
"They… told you…" the headmaster looked down to the ground seeming as though he had not wanted this and as Jaune thought about it he believed he hadn't. However, before another word could pass it was Ironwood who stepped forward his gaze stern but in it none of the resentment he had expected.
"Jaune Arc, You are under arrest." Jaune's eyes shot up and before he could say anything Glynda turned an angry gaze his way.
"James!" However, before she could speak any further Ozpin rose a hand before her and looked to his fellow headmaster.
"James I hope you won't forget the contribution mister Arc gave to the Breach… alongside the merits team CFVY and our professors gave in exchange for mister Arc's clemency." Jaune froze at the words before looking back to Ozpin surprised by what the headmaster said, Ozpin lowered his head.
"They, did what?" The headmaster's gaze softened.
"You have many friends mister Arc… even CRDL has been messaging us from they're mission." James looked to Ozpin before giving a curt nod.
"I understand that Ozpin, however even with that said, the council of Vale has given they're verdict… there's nothing I can do but comply. However, I won't let young Arc suffer any more than the bare minimum he can be afforded." Jaune looked to the man who looked back to him and he could see it in his gaze an iota of respect and a good helping of guilt.
"You are under Atlas's arrest for the infiltration and possible compromise of a governmental facility of Vale as well as the possible relation to the Breach Incident." Jaune stared wide eyed at the man before him not able to comprehend what he was saying.
"B-But I'd never…" He looked to his headmaster and combat instructor.
"You can't think I?" He saw the anger in Glynda as she looked to the floor frustrated with a fierce grip on her riding crop. Ozpin merely shook his head his displeasure evident.
"I'm afraid what we think doesn't matter mister Arc… the council needs a scape goat, somebody to blame for their… and our inability to solve the Breach incident and Roman Torchwick's recent actions. I'm afraid that even with my seat on the council there was only so much I could do, I stopped they're attempts at sentencing you to death but little more than that." Jaune looked to his headmaster in disbelief at what he was hearing.
"So… they know I'm innocent but…but."
"But those bastards don't care." From the corner stepped out an older man with black but graying spikey hair and stubble, his eyes were a dull red, He wore a grey dress shirt with a long tail and black dress pants to match alongside matching shoes. What stood out most however was the tattered red cloak that hung off his back and the large sword holstered horizontally behind his hips. The man looked to him with a leveled gaze.
"So you're the leader of the team who played hooky on your mission, 'spose I should be thanking you for coming to my nieces aid when you did … which just make this shit piss me off."
Nieces? Mission…wait?
"Were you our assigned huntsman for the frontier village?" He nodded to that as he took out a flask.
"Yeah, kid I was… but fraid that now I have to be your escort…" He sent a hard look to Ozpin and James.
"So this is how we do things now, sending a bonified huntsman to jail for helping others?" The headmasters remained silent while Qrow gritted his teeth.
"If Summer had seen this… shit she'd be walking out without a word to any of us." Jaune looked to the man and couldn't help but ask.
"Y-you don't think I'm a spy." Qrow sent the blonde a befuddled look.
"You shitting me kid? I don't think you have the guts for dirty work like that… shit, your just like Tai, an idiot too good for his own health. The only real difference between you two damn bleach haired idiots is that you haven't gone and stuck your dick in crazy but not for a lack of trying considering Ice Princess 'heh'" The old crow sighed and, in his gaze, Jaune could feel a certain level of self-disdain.
"But shitty as it is we can't afford to let a chance to lay the blame on someone so as to not cause a panic slip by." Qrow looked to Jaune.
"Kid, if you're feeling angry go ahead and let it out here, I'll take what you got, it's the least I can do." Jaune looked to him and then to Ozpin.
"Roman wasn't the one in charge, was he?" This made the four stop before Qrow slapped his face.
"Oum Dammit, were fucking over a bright one to! Oz this can't be the only choice we have right!?" Ozpin looked to Qrow and shook his head.
"I'm sorry Qrow but there's nothing we can do… The council won't let this slide."
"Fuck that! That's bullshit, and you know it! I could take the kid… somewhere safe get a new I.D. or…" Now it was James turn to sigh and shake his head.
"No, if we do so it would question our capability, right now they have no choice but to sink with us if they bring into question how we let Roman evade us so long." The sound of metal warping rang in his ear as the general clenched his fist.
"One innocent isn't worth putting our political power in question especially during a time so dire where it could cost us thousands of lives." Qrow sent the man an angry glare but looked away as he knew the general was playing the devil's advocate. Clicking his tongue Qrow turned away from them his disdain evident before a thought occurred and he looked to Ozpin knowing what he was about to say would merely be the better of two evils.
"What if we could pin it on someone else?" This seemed to draw the fours attention who looked to him curiously. James was the first to speak.
"Who do you mean Qrow?" Qrow looked down a tinge of self-mockery present but in truth the person in question was at least worthier of this then the kid was.
"The former terrorist who my nieces sold him out for, who else do you think I mean." This seemed to make James raise a brow.
"I wasn't aware we had someone of such nature within your school Ozpin, but for her to be a member of Team RWBY who were directly involved with the Breach incident." Jaune recalled his earlier thoughts of Blake and realized how right he was and what the man before him was suggesting, Glynda turned on him absolutely livid.
"Qrow, you would sale out your own nieces' partner?!" The man exhaled before taking a hit of his flask.
"Firecracker sold out one friend for another, just like Raven would and the squirt just sat there and let it happen… Hell Ice Princess was the only one who couldn't pick a side. So, for an innocent kid yeah, I'd play the bad guy and get the one who has a chip on her shoulder locked away for it." For a moment nobody spoke until finally the headmaster looked to Jaune equal levels of concern and reluctance shown.
"Mister Arc… It was due to unique circumstances that you were judged guilty for this… But if you were to give us a name of somebody more likely…" Glynda looked to him shocked but didn't speak.
"If you were to give us the name of one who could be more likely of the crimes you are accused of then yourself then we could ensure your continued existence as a huntsman-in-training." Jaune looked to the headmaster in disbelief at what he was asking, to actually suggest he sell out one of his friends… what's worst was that he was considering it.
Why not. They betrayed you first… Why not ruin her life.
Of course it hurt to know that in the end… that after what they'd been through that they sold him out, so why shouldn't he? Why shouldn't he betray those who cared so little for him.
A tear hit the floor, so why couldn't he bring himself to? He hadn't known them long, nor had he and Blake ever even talked to one another! So why? Why couldn't he do it!? he remembered Forever Falls and in doing so got his answer… The same reason he refused to throw that sap at Pyrrha. Jaune shook his head and as he did he heard a sigh escape Glynda followed by a great guilt when she realized she did so. He smiled weakly.
"It's okay miss Goodwitch… I know Blake will be a better huntress then me." Her eyes looked back to his before turning away unable to face him. Ozpin looked to him and asked one final time.
"Are you sure mister Arc?" Jaune nodded.
"You won't even attempt to resist, will you?" Jaune looked to him solemnly.
"What would it matter sir, with the four of you here I doubt anything I do could help. Besides I can tell this isn't something you want either, right?" He looked to the man and noticed how his hands shook.
"I see… James." Ironwood turned to Ozpin.
"No matter what the council request or how many times they plead... Never let them within hairs length of mister Arc…" Ironwood nodded.
"Of course." Turning he looked to Jaune and presented a pair of cuffs as well as a choker lined with dust.
"Put these on Mister Arc." Looking to the implements Jaune wanted to say no but knew it wouldn't matter and within a few minutes he stood collared and chained. However, when he thought they could take nothing else James extended a hand to him and by the expression he donned Jaune knew he despised the act.
"Your weapon." His breath hitched again as he looked to the man and felt for Crocea Mors and felt reluctance beyond any other. To give the blade of his family, the sword that had been in countless battles for freedom and equality as an instrument wielded by a criminal. The thought of his family's greatest heirloom being besmudged by his arrest almost made him sell out Blake…
But he didn't. Because he knew that of the eight, he was the least needed. And with a heavy heart and teary eyes he placed the sword in the general's hands and spoke his next words knowing the magnitude they held.
I'm sorry mother, father…
"I Jaune Arc…"
Jean, Aqua and Saphron…
"Heir to the Arc name and sole male son to Julius Arc."
Fuchsia, Gardenia, Daisy and Rosa… but.
"Renounce my name and title as an Arc, for the shame I bring."
I won't be the Arc who led his families to shame.
Ozpin went wide eyed and sat up from his seat in shock.
"Jaune!" However, that moment of anger passed as he saw the boy's tears trail down… and a deep guilt infested him at knowing why he did so.
By giving up his name it's no different than admitting guilt, you intend to commit to this sin that isn't yours so fully…
He watched as the door opened and several specialist entered at the front though stood Winter Schnee who looked to the former Arc with equal levels sympathy and respect.
How long had she listened in… he supposed it mattered not after all at least by a few Jaune's sacrifice should be acknowledged. He watched as Qrow looked to the Schnee specialist and for once didn't give a witty remark but instead nodded and stood to the opposite sides of the Arc. Just as they begun to make way to the elevator and Ozpin was sure this'd be his final time meeting the young Arc he asked.
"Jaune, is there anything you'd wish to request…" Jaune paused for a moment as he seemed to gather his thoughts.
"Can I ask a question?"
"Of course."
"Then… you knew from the beginning my transcripts were fake, didn't you headmaster?"
"Yes…"
"So then why? Why'd you accept me into your school?" Ozpin looked to the boy who couldn't face him and answered.
"I have lived a long time mister Arc… I've made more mistakes than any man should be allowed." Countless faces ran through his mind.
"However there have been a set few decisions that I'm confident will always hold true." He recalled Summer… but before that was another, the family who he always found raising that sword in James hands for humanity.
"I saw in you what I saw in only a select few…" the mind of the last king of Vale came to him as did those four kind sisters who reminded him of his long since gone daughters.
"Mister Arc, you are an individual gifted with a sincere soul." Jaune paused and Ozpin lowered his head.
"You would've made a splendid huntsman… and done your family proud, I only wish you'd been capable of betraying another but till the end you remained diligent to your family's honor." Jaune shook and Ozpin could see more tears fall.
Forgive me… for having to cast you aside for this war from the shadows, once she is no more I'm sure I will pay for the countless people I have wronged but still….
James, Qrow and Glynda went wide eyed as tears fell to the desk, to those who knew Ozpin's truth surely they'd think him a monster. Yet he could only wish he was such a thing, for even with all his knowledge and power he was but human. Forced to endlessly oppose a force so unfathomable and force the souls of innocents into his hopeless battle till the day she fell. Sometimes he felt it the distance between himself and other grown so vast as he furthered into his apathetic tendencies.
"I apologize Jaune Arc…" He saw in the boy potential, not by virtue of his skill, nor even his lineage, but because he took the risk of coming to his school to grow. With each day Jaune only proved his belief that much more. But now it had proved all for not as he watched the boy leave, Ozpin looked to Glynda and found his assistant trembling but whether in rage or depression remained to be seen. He gave the woman a comforting hand.
However the moment his finger tapped against her she shook it free before sending a glare his way before turning to the elevator and making way to it. Ozpin leaned into his chair earning James attention as he pulled out a bottle of liquor. He didn't hesitate to pour himself a cup before downing it and when he looked up he was met by not the expected disapproving stare of James but the sight of the man sitting across from him.
In the general's hand he extended an empty glass and Ozpin complied pouring him some of the old spirit. The two sat in the headmaster's office drinking neither spoke because no words would prove adequate for their action or the countless more they'd be forced to make.
As he rode down the crowded elevator Jaune pondered how his family would take his actions, would they cry, rage or simply accept it. Honestly, he didn't know which was worse, however soon his thoughts drifted from his family and unto several others… his friends… Seeming to catch unto his troubles it was Glynda who spoke to him.
"I'm sorry." Both Qrow and Winter alike looked dumbstruck while Jaune didn't fair much better as he looked to the woman who had been a constant figure of fear and discipline for the Beacon student body. What he saw was not the disciplinary figure they recognized but instead a gentle and hurting almost maternal figure looking back at him.
Jaune couldn't help but smiled, now seeing that the strict teacher indeed cherished her students and gave the strongest one he could return.
"I know why you need to do this… please, find out who's responsible." The huntress looked into his eyes searching for something before she seemingly gave in.
"I was wrong to doubt you." It was then that the ring of the bell went off and the doors opened to reveal the scene of his partner glaring upon the suspended forms of three of the four members of RWBY.
"He thought you needed help! So, he decided for us to come and help you even though it would mean we failed our mission! He'd never stopped talking about how much he loved you guys that we were all like another big family and how he had seven more siblings!" He saw her flustered and enraged expression look to the four girls with disdain as tears trailed down her cheeks. He didn't bother with the confused huntsman or Huntresses beside him as he made his way to his partner.
"Pyrrha! Stop!" His voice seemed to snap her from her thoughts as she turned to him wide eyed, her face showing relief for a moment before warping to that of confusion and then panic as she saw his restraints.
"Jaune!" She rushed to him ignoring her semblance and letting the three aspiring huntresses fall, however before she could hug him Glynda stepped forward. The older woman looked to Pyrrha a firm gaze fixed upon the spartan but to hers and everyone else's surprise the spartan seemed to give little care to it as she attempted to step past her to her partner. Raising her riding crop Glynda fixed her in place surprising the redhead.
"What are you doing to Jaune!?" Glynda looked to her.
"You were using your semblance on a fellow student miss Nikos I hardly think you're in a position to ask questions."
"They're traitors what other reason do I need!" This made the huntress's eyes narrow but Jaune could see the small tremble and knew this had to hurt her to do.
"Stand down miss Nikos." Pyrrha shook her head.
"Not until you tell me why Jaune's restrained!" Jaune heard the surrounding metal creek and noticed the black hue seething from the entire room.
"Uncle Qrow?" the man to Jaune's left turned his gaze to his fellow leader who looked back to him questionably.
"W-why is Jaune restrained?"
"Winter?" Raising her form Weiss finally took notice of Jaune and her sister's presence and adopted a similar disposition as Ruby. However, whereas Qrow looked to his niece with a hesitance Winter fixed a cold but professional gaze on her sister as if speaking to a stranger. It was only then that Jaune noticed several barrels lined with his head from the remaining specialist. Seeing this Pyrrha went wide eyed before her expression became dark and menacing.
"Get. Away. From. Him…" She resisted Glynda's pull raising her hand with all the strength she could manage however with a heavy heart the combat instructor increased her force sending the spartan on her knees.
"Miss Nikos cease this."
"Uncle Qrow please tell us why Jaune's restrained? What did he do?" Finally seeming to gather his resolve Qrow looked to Ruby.
"We can't just let him off without a few escorts, its the way Atlas does things." Ruby looked even more confused.
"What? What do you mean escort?" Finally, it was Winter who spoke up her disappointed stare still firm on her sister.
"Protocol dictates that all criminal elements with any extent of huntsman training be restrained and escorted by no less than three specialist or huntsman of equal measure." Weiss went wide eyed at her words.
"Criminal Element? You can't mean."
"Jaune arc is under the arrest of the Atlesian military." The four girls froze with Yang being the most affected.
"But…Vomitboy just faked his transcripts… shouldn't he have just been expelled?" Looking to the surprise and panic in his fellow blonde's eyes he understood a bit more now. Why ever Yang had sold him out she had thought he'd be expelled instead of this. The thought almost gave him comfort. Glynda shook her head her reluctance still visible.
"I'm afraid not, miss Xiao Long, by lying about his qualification and entering Beacon mister Arc has as far as laws are concerned infiltrated a governmental training facility with possibly malicious intent. As far as the council are concerned it lines up all too coincidentally with the White Fangs and Roman Torchwick's recent rise in activity." Blake looked utterly horrified to hear the statement.
"But that's not right, Jaune would never!" Qrow shook his head, Weiss stepped forward slightly panicked.
"She's right! Arc told us about his false transcripts why would he do that if he was a part of those responsible for the Breach!" Yang looked to her uncle still in shock as she shook her head in denial.
"Vomitboy wasn't involved in that! He came to help us! You can't actually think h-"
"Frankly it doesn't matter whether it's the truth or not Firecracker, Arc is the only person they can claim responsible in they're custody. To admit his innocence now would be no different than admitting they're incompetence. Without him all they have is their failures to foresee the dangers of the passage way to Mt. Glenn posed and their failure to fix as well as how they hadn't taken either Roman Torchwick or the White Fang seriously, but they could just pin everything on the Arc kid and get away Scott free." Pyrrha shook her head as more tears begun to drop from her emerald eyes.
"No, No! You can't do this!" The surrounding structure begun to creek and no sooner did the specialist turn their aims towards the Mistral Champion who glared up at them.
"Jaune doesn't have any connection to the White Fang if anyone does its Bl-"
"Pyrrha stop!" Pyrrha froze in place before looking to him who looked back to her, his eyes firm even now.
"But… why… Jaune why… They didn't care about your secret about you! So why not ruin her chances as well!" A smaller darker part of himself agreed with her but he shook his head but as he spared a glance to the four members of his sister team he couldn't help but feel his remaining familial affection and shook his head.
I'm such a hopeless idiot.
He looked to his partner with as strong a gaze as he could manage.
"No…" Pyrrha looked into his azure orbs and he knew she wouldn't deny him this solace.
"It's not fair for them?" The answer was so simple for him to the point where it was almost laughable.
"Because they're my friends… even if I'm not theirs" He held back his tears as he forced a smile his partner's way.
"And they, they can actually help people, because they're the people who should be here, who can make a difference."
Qrow looked to the boy, angry that he was being treated like this for wanting to help others, no for helping others, if not for him and his team his nieces might not be standing before him. Yet instead of thanking him he was escorting him to at best what was a jail cell for life, it wasn't right, and it certainly wasn't fair.
To his side he could see Glynda not doing much better, despite her cold demeanor he could see the small tells. She was hurting and why shouldn't she? After all, to her each student was her responsibility and despite her gripes and complaint she cherished them and only wanted them to be as prepared as possible, so the same fate wouldn't befall them that did her team. So, he could only imagine how much it must have killed her to let the Arc kid take the fall for this, she never really did like the whole 'Necessary Sacrifice' thing not that he was a fan.
To his surprise it wasn't him or Glynda who spoke up next but the last person he'd ever expect who showed Jaune consideration. Winter turned to him and for a moment her harden specialist façade fell to show that of a kind but firm woman that reminded Jaune of bit of his second eldest sister.
"Mister Arc, is there anything you wish to say before leaving?" Jaune looked to her a silent thanks conveyed in his gaze as he nodded and approached the four members of RWBY. Her men readied they're weapon but the combined glares of herself and Goodwitch quickly shot down the action. The members of his sister team looked away from him shame evident in their posture and yet they didn't dare to move.
the message of their actions were clear regardless of what he did they'd accept it wholly, surprisingly the first he stepped toward was the one he'd never spoken too. He stood before Blake who couldn't bring herself to meet his gaze.
"Blake…" How his voice could invoke so much fear in her would always remain a mystery however her shame and guilt were nearly palpable. Which made the hand that grasped her shoulder all the more powerful, the simple action made her flinch before it gave her a firm but not ill intended squeeze.
"Please… don't waste your second chance." As quickly as the words passed did the hand let her go and the secret faunus froze in place before looking up to only be met by the sight of the bumbling knight's back as he approached Weiss.
The Heiress looked into his eyes not breaking her gaze, as if doing so would be a great disservice to him but even so he could tell she was scared. Not of what he'd do but of what he'd say and that thought made him chuckle. It was kinda funny, after all this might be the only time she'd ever take something he'd say seriously.
"Snow An-… Weiss." Her eyes widened at being called by name by him of all people.
"I-I'm sorry… for everything." Why, why was he apologizing after she'd, after she'd done this to him, her eyes became sharp as she sneered.
"Why?" He looked to her confused.
"Weiss?" To his tone she could only tremble.
"Even after this… after we just betrayed your trust. How can you smile like that? How can you apologize!" He smiled to her a bit surprised and just as happy to see that doing so had hurt her this much despite the distance between them.
"Because this could be my last chance to apologize for always bothering you, I figured in the end at least I wanted to leave with a clear conscious." He smiled to her and in response she finally broke tearing up.
"You idiot… You complete and utter idiot!" The heiress all but broke down before him her guilt clear.
"I should've stopped them, but I-I didn't want Blake to…" He nodded.
"It's alright… so please stop crying." He really didn't like seeing her like this, damn even now he still liked her. She nodded as she tried and failed to do so while he turned away from her to Yang.
"Vo- Jaune…" The buxom Blonde looked to him gripping one of her arms tightly as she avoided his gaze, it was strange really. He'd never in a million years think Yang would be scared of him of all people.
"Yang…"
"I know." She looked to him her guilt evident as Blake's.
"How could I do that to you… How could I sell out my friend…" He could see her arm begin to bruise as her grip tightened.
"What kind of person does that? but still I won't apologize, I can't. Because I'd, I'd do it again for my partner…" All eyes turned on her with Pyrrha's being the most hostile, all but one.
"I understand." Yang eyes widened as she looked up to him shocked that out of everyone it was him saying it.
"What?" Jaune smiled weakly.
"'heh' Seven sisters remember… For family I'd do anything… and that what Blake is right? A part of your family." Yang looked to him unable to think of words to respond, there was so much she had prepared for. Hate, anger, blame and even accusation all of which she'd knew she deserved but this… Through trembling lips she spoke.
"Why?" In response all he could be was honest.
"Because if Ruby was my first friend… then you were my second." He smiled to her.
"Because through initiation and even Cardin I knew if I asked you would've come charging…"
"Stop…"
"Because…"
Please stop...
"To me even if it wasn't long you all became like a second pair of siblings." Yang stared at him wide eyed before tears begun to form and her eyes begun to flash between lilac and crimson. Her anger though was not upon the boy before her but towards herself as a cold realization came to mind.
He considered me family and I abandoned him, just like…
The face from that picture came to mind and without warning she found herself on her knees, her clenched her chest as wails escaped her and her tears were turned to steam by her semblance. Jaune looked to the last of the team and his first friend and in turn she leaped forward almost tackling him a small trail of petals behind her. He felt his chest turn wet as she cried.
"I'm sorry! I'm so sorry Jaune! I'm 'hic' I'm sorry!" she trembled as her cries grew that much more desperate the guilt eating away at her as the corners of her eyes stung. Through her mind thought of what she had done, no what she hadn't done who she hadn't defended who'd she'd let Yang call out came to mind, the same person who extended a hand to her when she was at her lowest. Who'd she trusted indefinitely and who she knew returned the sentiment.
If her mother knew what she'd done, how'd she'd abandoned her first friend in Beacon… she cried into his chest and was then greeted by a firm embrace. She cried into him repeating her apology over and over again until eventually he let her go and the figure fell to her knees crying. It was only then, after he'd made his peace with them that he turned to Pyrrha.
With slight reluctance Goodwitch lifted her pressure from the spartan and no sooner did she rush towards him. Jaune didn't have to act as she pressed herself into his chest and gripped him tightly, he could feel her tremble in his arms. Why he wondered, why was this one the most painful when the others almost seemed natural.
"Pyrrha… I-I'm, sorry… I-I couldn't be the partner you deserved, I only wast-" He never got to finish his apology as warmth pressed against his lips stunning him into silence. She didn't break her kiss instead leaning forward into him all the more wanting to close as much distance as humanly possible. But finally, their blissful moment had to end, and she parted from his lips and cupped his face in her hands. Looking to her he could only see him in the reflection of her tear filled eyes and to her he was sure he was all that mattered.
"You are Jaune…" Pyrrha fell to her knees her grip on Jaune as her body trembled.
"I'll get you out of there, I'll bring the real villain to justice… I promise..." She looked up to him and in her gaze he saw a plea, for him not to leave her side, for him to stay beside her and though it broke his heart, he spoke despite the new feeling for her that begun to form.
"Pyrrha you can't put your life on hold for someone li-"
"No!" He looked to her surprised by her clear denial.
"Pyrrha?" She shook her head tears clear as day and spoke through her sobs.
"No Jaune! I won't let you go, I'm sick of giving up things to move forward! Of being left alone, so I'm being selfish, that's why no matter what you say I refuse to leave you in my past when you belong in my future!" Jaune couldn't retort her, in her gaze he knew anything he'd say would prove meaningless, so he nodded in understanding and in return she pressed her forehead to his.
"Your my partner, no matter what they say or what anyone thinks that'll never change." Tears fell from his cheeks and he found himself crying, he really was scared… and even now, even now he didn't want to leave.
"I'm sorry! I never deserved to be here, to meet any of you." Tears of a man who hopes were crushed begun to fall.
"I know I wouldn't ever be a hero but for a moment I had felt like one!" Glynda bit her lip as she looked to the display before her.
If we have to cast aside the innocent, then how are we any better than Salem…
She wanted to act however Qrow's hand stopped her, she turned to him with a hard glare but the man didn't give merely shook his head.
"He's made peace with it… " She looked to him and felt her will to resist shatter, it was with a heavy heart that they gripped the boy who looked to his partner one final time.
"Please…don't hate Ren and Nora… they've always just had each other. I couldn't expect them to put me first." Qrow wanted to roar in anger even to his final moments he worried about others, about the people who abandoned him.
Dammit! Why do I have to see this again!
Memories of Summer talking to Raven came to mind and it made him want to scream however eventually that two passed as they left the building and was greeted by the sight of over a dozen drones. With great regret Glynda stepped back allowing the Atlesian force to take the Arc all the while Qrow turned a rare gaze of seriousness on Winter. A silent moment passed between the two before finally he spoke.
"If anything happens to him Ice Queen…" The specialist for once didn't rise to the nickname instead she returned his gaze just as intently.
"It won't, not because of you Branwen but because he deserves that, he so different than what Weiss had said." Qrow nodded and slowly he left each step seeming heavy Winter was sure he would drown himself in his booze. It was then with incredible reluctance that she led the Arc to his cell on the ship right beside another all too familiar face.
"Well well well, what have we here?" Standing before Jaune was the talk of the city, the man responsible for not only the Breach in the public's eye but also numerous dust robberies.
"Roman." In response to his name the man smiled to the Arc.
"That's my name tall blonde and scraggly, so then since you obviously know me, it's only fair you interduce yourself. 'heh' After all I got a feeling we'll be spending a lot of time together."
So yeah it's very different if you compare it to the first chapter of my old fic, I always felt I wrote it to short and black and White all things considered. After all it painted Jauen as some kind-hearted fool and as his friends as some cliche backstabbers so I decided to rework it this way to make it all more realistic. Each member acted the way they did for various reason. Blake, for instance, didn't speak up out of fear for herself. Weiss was to not risk drawing attention to them and by extension blake and her father hearing about it and potentially stripping her of her heiress status. Ruby was in shock and confused not knowing what to do. And Yang wanted to protect her partner.
I remember someone once saying I made Jaune a doormat cause her didn't hat them or go all edgy, but the thing I've always like most about Jaune is his willingness to help others even his bullies. He's based on Joan of arc after all. well, I'm tired and need sleep hope you like this.
