Father Arc

This one was a request by my little brother enjoy and Happy Thanks Giving.


Concept: Jaune becomes a father post vol 5


Chapter 1 A Mother's love and a Knight's Resolve.

-Mistral Forest-

Far from the yet to reopen Haven Academy, deep in the nearby forest, a knight swung his sword fiercely once more to a voice of his fallen partner that he had long since memorized.

"Again."

With a deep roar Jaune swung Crocea Mors once more, the force guiding the strike even further now that he had started to practice with his semblance.

"And again."

Preparing to swing again Jaune focused his aura into his arm amplifying it and reinforcing his strength. Releasing enough force to rip bark off a nearby tree, practicing with his semblance had proven fruitful but the strain could sometimes be immense.

"Okay. Now, assuming you're not cheating… we can take a break."

The blonde fell on his butt breathing heavily as the spartan spoke those same words. Looking up to the shattered moon Jaune had considered what had happened. It had been several weeks since they had stopped Salem's attempt on the Relic. Team RWBY along Ren and Nora had gone on a training mission alongside Oscar. However, Jaune had decided against going opting instead to train his aura something the others could agree to.

Stopping those thoughts Jaune looked to the video now knowing what came next but still never really being prepared for it.

"I know this can be frustrating. And it can feel like so much effort to progress such a small amount, but I want you to know that I'm proud of you."

The words made him tremble slightly but not like before when they made him cry.

"I've never met someone so determined to better themselves."

But I wasn't good enough not when it mattered… not for you.

"You've grown so much since we started training."

Jaune looked down to Crocea Mors more so to its shield and the tiara within it.

"Yeah…"

"And I know this is just the beginning."

Thinking about what happened during the Fall and what followed soon after he found himself nodding.

"It was…" He hugged his knees.

"I just wish you made it past it instead."

"Jaune…"

At her nervous tone Jaune felt himself freeze knowing what would come next and how it would break his heart knowing what he knew now.

"I… I..."

Jaune looked to his scroll his eyes dim as he looked to the shying form of the invincible girl.

"I just want you to know that I am just so happy to be a part of your life."

Just like every time before those words took a piece of him with them. He found his eyes tearing up at the redhead's words. If only he had known how she felt back then…

"I'll always be here for you, Jaune."

At the seven words Jaune found himself hardly able to contain his sorrows.

Pyrrha…

Reaching out a hand to her as if she was really there Jaune was soon brought back to reality when the video begun to rewind and returned to the beginning.

"Alright Jaune, just like we practiced.

At the repeated words Jaune's hand lowered and he felt himself grow just a bit colder inside.

You idiot…

Jaune reached for his shield and sword standing up again.

She's not there remember… she died… Because you were to weak to have her back…

Jaune took his stance and readied himself his body shaking in rage.

You still are… you just managed to luck out and save Weiss even though it was your fault Cinder targeted her.

"I already know that!"

"Ready."

Jaune gritted his teeth and tightened his grip.

"Go."

In rage Jaune thrusted his blade forth the air around it screeching as he pierced it.

Not enough…

"Again."

Reinforcing his semblance into his arm Jaune swung with all his might.

Why…

"And again!" Tuning even more of his aura into his arm Jaune swung as hard as he could.

"Ahhhhh!" With the swing of the blade Jaune let loose a heavy arc of force that tore into the nearby tree cutting halfway into it.

"Okay. Now, assuming you're not cheating… we can take a break."

Jaune fell to his knees

Why couldn't I do anything… Again!

Clenching his fist Jaune let out tears of frustration, He hadn't helped all he did was fix his mistake. He had proven Pyrrha right to launch him away when he fought Cinder. He was helpless, no worse he was a burden because he caused her to target Weiss.

"I know this can be frustrating. And it can feel like so much effort to progress such a small amount, but I want you to know that I'm proud of you."

Stop, don't say it… stop believing in me…

Slowly the knight looked to her image but instead of the video displayed before him he saw her through the slits of the locker.

"I'm sorry."

Remembering that moment Jaune felt himself go numb.

"Why!" Jaune roared out the question.

"Why did you have to stay! Why'd you have to fight her!"

Did you think you actually had a chance against me?! YOU?!

Jaune clenched his fist tight enough to pierce his own palms.

"Why'd you save me, and not yourself!... If it had been you… if you had made it, then you could've helped… Why'd it have to be me? Why'd I have to be the one to live."

"I've never met someone so determined to better themselves."

Stop…

"You've grown so much since we started training."

but not enough…

"And I know this is just the beginning."

Are you going to let her die too?

"AH!" Jaune struck the ground in anger, in resentment and sorrow.

"Why! Why! Why couldn't you trust me to cover you… because I wasn't strong enough! Even if I couldn't fight her I could've at least been your shield." Thoughts of himself fading to ash instead of her ran through the Arcs mind… a fate he would have willingly accepted.

"If it had been me instead…" This hadn't been the first time he found these thoughts take him and it certainly wouldn't be the last.

"Jaune…"

He looked up to the screen.

Do you have any spots left on your team?

Jaune, you know if you ever need help, you can just ask.

Jaune, everybody needs a little push from time to time. It doesn't make you any different from the rest of us.

Your team really misses their leader you know.

All the times he had spent with her went through his mind and just like every time before his hearts sorrows filled that much more. But those memories gave him the push he needed.

"But it wasn't me… it was you…" Jaune looked to his palm and focused his aura allowing it to radiate. However now he did something more… he focused and went through his aura before finding it once more and amplifying it. Slowly in his palm a scarlet glow emerged.

And as long as I'm alive… a piece of you is to.

"Help!" Jaune turned his head to the cry and as he did a mighty roar erupted forth.

"Ursas." Thinking about it why hadn't the Grimm shown up during his breakdown.

Because they already have a meal.

Gritting his teeth Jaune rushed towards the cries for help Crocea Mors drawn and ready in its two-handed form.

Rushing through the brush Jaune finally reached the cries to see a destroyed and burning campsite surrounded by more than six Ursas and dead bodies. However, they weren't what drew his attention but the Major in the center of the camp that was biting down on the woman who hung in its mouth. Before any of the monsters could act Jaune rushed forward swinging Crocea Mors with all his might tearing into the Major. The Major roared in pain releasing the woman who fell into Jaune's arms.

The Major swung down at Jaune, but he jumped back only getting grazed by the Grimm. He looked down to the woman in his arms and saw the Grimm mask.

White Fang.

He shook his head knowing that wasn't important right now and begun to pump his aura into the lady.

The Ursas roared at the Arc and slowly advanced except for the Major who seemed to retreat to the collapsed tent.

The woman finally opened her eyes to see Jaune.

"H-Human… you're the boy fro-"

"Save me your hate! Just get ready to run!"

"Run? Are you stupid I'm dyi-!" The woman looked to her wounds and noticed them closing as a white light enveloped her.

"Not here you're not! There that should be enough!" Jaune let her go just in time to block the first Ursa's claw. She was still heavily injured but not to a fatal extent.

"Go!" Jaune pushed his shield forward forcing the Ursa's claw back with a heavy swing he cut deep into the Grimm's arm pit before pulling back his sword. The Ursa roared out in pain giving Jaune just the chance he needed. Jaune thrusted Crocea Mors up and pierced the beast skull killing it.

Jaune looked back to the woman only to not find her and he smiled as he looked back to the incoming Ursa.

"Good at least I could save someone."

"My babies!" At the scream Jaune looked towards the woman seeing her trying to rush past the Ursa and failing.

What the hell is she doing!

He rushed forward to her just in time to block an Ursa's strike. The woman looked to Jaune surprised. With gritted teeth the knight amplified his aura in his arm and begun to swing Crocea Mors repeatedly at the Grimm, tearing it apart. Jaune could feel himself sweat from the strain.

Not good can't have more than a fifth of my aura left.

he turned on the White Fang member.

"I thought I told you to run." He could see the hate in her eyes as she glared at him but was surprised to see her not screaming out in anger at him. Finally, she let out her voice.

"My children are here…" The words made Jaune's eyes widen.

"What!?" he followed her gaze and saw the Major approaching the collapsed tent but also saw the four remaining Ursa closing in. Gritting his teeth Jaune made up his mind.

"I'll pull the Grimm's attention, you use that to get your children." The woman looked shocked at the boy's words but snapped out of it soon enough before nodding her head.

He turned his sights on her and rose Crocea Mors to her.

"Take this, in case I can't draw them all." The woman's shock returned as he thrusted the blade to her.

"But what about you? Without your weapon…"

"I'll manage somehow, me and my best friend have been practicing CQC after all. Let's see if it's any use." Jaune flashed the woman a smile before he turned towards the Ursa.

"Now go."

"Why?... Why would you help me, a faunus, a White Fang Member?"

I've always felt as though I was destined to become a Huntress - to protect the world... and it's become increasingly clear to me that my feelings were right.

"Because She would've... but more importantly because it's what right." The woman looked to Jaune before making up her mind and running to the tent. Jaune clenched his fist.

"Hey you ugly monsters! Come get some!" He roared at the top of his lungs and managed to draw the Grimm's ire. Quickly the four advanced. Jaune rushed forward triggering his semblance and amplifying his aura barrier. The first Ursa slammed forward only to find itself unable to break the shield and was pushed back.

With a roar Jaune struck forward his shield bashing the Grimm's head repeatedly. Each time the Arc pulled back his arm he applied more of his aura and semblance into the limb making the force that much stronger. Finally, he was met with the sound of a satisfying crack followed by the cease of all movements by the grimm. Relaxed from the kill Jaune didn't notice the great force that hit him and was launched away. Raising he saw the Ursa hovering over him it roared before going down for a bite.

Jaune quickly rose both hands and gripping its upper and lower jaws doing all he could to keep the from shutting. Slowly he pumped his aura into his arms and begun to pry it's mouth open.

"Ah!" With one final pull he pulled the jaws beyond they're intended limit breaking them. The Ursa roared out and slowly backed away. Seeing the chance Jaune pulled out one of the small dust vial Weiss had handed him to practice with. Tuning some aura into it he thrusted it into the writhing Grimm's mouth. No sooner did flame spew from within the Grimm tearing it apart, leaving nothing but smoke and ash. With heavy breathes Jaune looked two see the remaining two Ursa close in each with they're fangs bared and ready to tear him apart.

Jaune took the defensive nimbly avoiding their more telegraphed while parrying their lighter blows with his shield. He remembered how hard it uses to be to dodge for him but after going one-on-one with the invincible girl this was nothing anymore. Jaune quickly slammed his fist into one of the Grimm's snouts. The Ursa roared out seeing that Jaune rushed the other his who swung at him. Tanking the hit the blonde knight stretched out his hand managing to gouge out its right eye before he was launched away. he was slammed into a tree and before he could even hit the ground the undamaged Ursa tackled against him shattering the tree apart with the impact.

Jaune struggled against the force but it was useless as he hit the ground with his attacker not to far. Struggling to shake off his stupor Jaune could hear the Ursa rush him once more.

Not this time!

Jaune darted off to the side avoiding the Ursa's tackle not wasting a moment he rushed behind it and converted his shield to its sheath before tuning aura within. The blades for it's two handed sword mode burst out tearing into Jaune's hands but the Arc hardly noticed as he leaped on the Grimm's back stabbed it into its ear with all he could. The Ursa let out a light whimper before going completely silent and tumbling forward. Letting out a tired breath he remembered he wasn't alone quickly he turned just in time to see one eye lunge at him.

Jaune converted the blades back two their shield before stuffing it into the Grimm's open maw. Jaune kicked his shield burying it deeper into one eyes' mouth and shattering its fangs. Violently he pulled out the shield and turned it back to its sheath before stabbing it deep into its remaining eye killing it. The Arc was about to relax before something occurred to him.

Where's the Major?

"NOOO!" Jaune heard the woman's cry and didn't so much as hesitate to rush to her aid.

Jean cried out in rage and sorrow as she was greeted by the sight of a blood smear on the Major's maw her world went dark as she couldn't hear the cries of her babies. Without thought Jean leaped forward all her rage hate and anger drawing the Major's attention.

"Monster!" She had joined the White Fang after her sister had died in the Schnee mines and had took part in the Fall Under Adam Taurus. After seeing the destruction and chaos brought forth by her brotherhood's hand she had become disillusioned. Had what they been doing been right? She just didn't know however that was answered when Adam had killed Sienna. The White Fang had become no better than true terrorist and she was in too deep.

When the Belladonna's resistance showed themselves, she saw an opening which her and her husband took alongside a few others with similar views. They had set up camp and managed for two weeks sure that when things calmed down they'd be able to enter the lower levels of Mistral. She had even managed to sneak her children from Menagerie via her husband being able to fly.

However, they never thought they'd encounter their former leader again. It was his face displayed within the nucleus of some sort of jelly fish like Grimm and alongside it was the Ursa and Major. After that everything went to hell her comrades, friends and even husband were killed as she struggled to save her babies. Just as she was sure she had failed and was about to be devoured that boy showed up and saved her.

Adam had given them plenty of info including people that had been labeled as threats, including Blake and her team as well as a pink hammer wielding maniac and an oriental boy. But also, there was another the partner of the famous invincible girl Pyrrha Nikos who had died during The Fall, he wasn't labeled a threat just a mere sign that the others were around. Out of anyone who'd save her she was sure he'd be the last one and yet he did. Despite her race and what she had done he had even given his sword to her to rescue her children.

Jean thrusted the heavy sword into the Ursa's back managing to tear into the soft spots between its armor plating. She was surprised how easily the sword tore through the flesh. The Major roared out in anger and struck her away. Her body had only been healed to the bare minimum by Jaune so even just that was enough to make her struggle to stand. The Major roared in anger before advancing towards her. Just as it lunged into her, a force hit her out of the way. When she regained her focus, she saw Jaune again already standing with his shield raised and ready.

"Are you okay?" Jean was once more stunned but then reality hit her once more and abruptly she rushed towards her babies. Upon reaching them her face contorted in horror as she fell to her knees. Both children were alive but just barely looking she could see how the Ursa hadn't attacked them yet and had eaten the body by them her husband. But the smoke within the tent had thicken and she could see that her twins were suffocating.

Jean looked to see the Arc fighting the Major and the thought of abandoning him raced through her mind, she lifted up her babies into her arms. Jaune looked to her, seeing the infants in her grasp he roared out.

"Run! Get them out of here!" Jean's mind went blank for a second before she rushed out.

"Jaune!" The boy looked at her through the corner of his eye using her cat's tail she gripped his sword and tossed it at him. Seeing it Jaune stretched out his hand and grabbed the blade readying to fight the beast before him. Just as Jean got out of the tent however something slid around her foot and made her fall.

"You'd work alongside a human!" Jean turned and was met by the strange Jellyfish like Grimm with Adam's face displayed.

"You'd betray the fang!" Jean tried to kick off the tendril around her foot, but it was useless. Suddenly a tendril launched forward and pierced her ankle.

"Ahhh!"

"You won't be running away! Traitor!" Jean looked up to see the tendrils raise into the air.

Jaune collided with the Major but found himself on the defensive he was too tired and worn out and his aura was nearing empty. The Major roared out and struck Jaune who rose his shield, taking the hit Jaune slashed forward. However, the Grimm' armor was too thick, The Major struck once more only for Jaune to maneuver to the side barely avoiding it. suddenly he heard the woman's scream.

No! Are there more Grimm!

in his moment of absent mindedness Jaune was hit away by the Major through the tent and outside. As the knight struggled to stand he saw Jean on the ground and above her the Seer. He remembered Ozpin telling them about this Grimm and the sight of it and more importantly who it represented enraged him. Jaune rushed forward at it, swinging down on the Grimm only for a tendril to raise up and block it. displayed on its nucleus was a man he had never met but knew of.

Adam Taurus… the one who took Yang's arm.

"Adam!" Jaune tried to force Crocea Mors forward but somehow the Seer was more powerful. The face displayed turned to the Arc.

"Human…" The Tendril's struck towards Jaune who narrowly avoided them only needing to raise his shield to block the final one. Jaune looked to the man before him or at least his face as he remembered The Fall while he hadn't personally encountered the White Fang he saw the families who did, or at least those who survived.

"Your gonna pay for what you've done!" Jaune leaped forward and with all his strength he thrusted Crocea Mors forward only for the blade to be intercepted by the Major's claw. The Major then swung wildly at Jaune hitting him away.

"How many people did you kill during The Fall?" Adam seemed to be intrigued with that question, the Seer facing the rising Arc.

"How many families torn apart… How many did you leave scared like Blake and scarred like Yang!" Jaune rose his ancestor sword toward the Seer and Major.

"We'll stop you! and your boss!" Adam seemed to ponder something before cracking a smirk.

"Who are you?"

"Who are you?"

The words may have come from Adam, but he heard them from Cinder and with that his calm broke and the Arc rushed forward in rage. With a furious swing he managed to tear into the Major's but to no effect as the Grimm's claw were just as sharp. Sparks flew as Crocea Mors clashed with it, the Major leaned in letting out a growl before a tendril lunged forth piercing Jaune's abdomen and then the Ursa swung hitting the Arc away. He gripped his wound tuning an enough aura to stop the bleeding before he looked up. The Seer floated towards Jaune, Adam who was displayed sneered as he looked to the glaring blonde.

"Now I remember you! You were there at Haven…" A tendril stabbed down into Jaune's arms pinning him down.

"Because of your friends our plans went awry!"

"'Chuckle' really… I thought that was because Blake whooped you idiot's asses." Adam visibly snarled.

"Shut up Human!" The Seer rose a Tendril whipping the Arc repeatedly.

"Die! Die! Die!" Jaune screamed with each hit until he caught sight of something, the Ursa Major as it closed in on Jean and her kids.

"Stop it! Don't hurt them!" Adam seeing to Jaune's line of sight smiled malevolently.

"What's this, human could it be your one of those equalist Blake told me of! Heheheh liar…" The tendril inside Jaune's arms forced him up and kneeling. The Seer directed a tendril to the center of Jaune's chest while the Ursa leaned down near the injured Jean. The children cried out but even so the Major wasn't deterred.

"You humans are nothing more than selfish being at your core despite your words… and I'll prove it! Choose you or the traitor!" Jaune looked to Jean while the cries of her children filled the air.

Again I was useless… but this time at least that'll only get me killed.

Jaune looked up to Adam his eyes clearer and more resolved than they had ever been since The Fall.

"Me…" Adam seemed momentarily stunned before a smirk grew on his face.

"I see… you know you'll already die so why not act to spite m-"

"No! I don't have anything left while she does! So, do it!" Adam roared in anger, and the Seer responded by slashing the Arc's face.

"Shut up! How dare you talk to me like that! Me, the leader of the White Fang!" Jaune spit out some blood and returned Adam's glare with his own.

"You mean Usurper!" Adam suddenly calmed and begun to chuckle before he covered his mask and roared in laughter.

"Fine then human I will kill you instead of the traitor…" The Major lifted itself from Jean while the Seer once more rose its Tendril at Jaune.

"But first she must suffer for her betrayal!" The impaled Tendril pulled themselves free from Jaune's arms and before Jaune could act they darted off towards Jean, no past her. Jean's eyes widened as she realized Adam's intent.

"Leader no!" The tendrils pierced the two bundles beside Jean and the cries went silent… Seeing this Jaune's body stiffened while Jean looked utterly horrified before she let out a wail that only a mother who had outlived her children could.

No…

"Now then Arc die…"

For a moment Jean felt guilt, hoping the Arc would choose himself instead of her that was until that thing attacked not her but her children. Now all she felt was despair the woman crawled to her babies lifting herself above the two cat faunus she begun to allow her aura to seep into them.

"For it is in passing that w- Ahh!" The Major abruptly bit down into her shoulder tearing past her aura shattering it to stop her from what she was doing.

"No traitor this is your punishment after they die you can live… But act against me again and it will kill you…" Jean screamed in pain as she felt it's fangs scratch against her shoulder's bone. Despite the pain all she could think of was her children.

"Now then Arc, die…" At his words Jean turned to see the boy whose eyes were locked on her and her children. She could see his regret and could tell he somehow blamed himself. He had saved her, he had risked his life and was now giving it and yet still he blamed himself, she wondered if perhaps when his partner died something in him broke. She found herself wanting to thank him or to comfort the boy for what he had done or at the very least thank him. But all she could find herself say were two very simple but unbeknownst to her, powerful words.

"I'm sorry…" Knowing her words would count as betrayal the Major's maws clamped down tearing through her.

Every one of his friends had their own demons after The Fall, For Ruby's it was her team being torn apart. Weiss's was once more becoming little more than a tool for her father's ambition with The Fall being her knew cage. Blake's was the Fangs involvement while Yang's was PTSD. Ren's and Nora's were simpler, the possibility of losing one another like he did Pyrrha… However, to his joy each had found some form of closure.

Ruby's was solved when her team was reunited, Weiss's were resolved when she had run to her new family that was RWBY. While Blake had conquered her own, when her people stood against Adam, Yang's mental scars while not healed were improving with the support of the others. Even Nora's and Ren's fears were resolved when they fought and killed that abomination responsible for taking everything from Ren while simultaneously reminding him that he still had a loved one in Nora.

However if one was to ask Jaune what his were? He would give a simple answer.

Nightmares…

Nightmares of when the sole one who had always believed him died for him, after the fall he had nearly fallen in despair however recognizing that Ruby wouldn't give up he decided neither would he. He would have her back unlike he did for Pyrrha even if it'd kill him. He saw how Yang was distraught and numbed by her loss, whether it was her arm, Blakes leaving or her faith in the good in the world he didn't know. What Jaune couldn't forgive was the fact that he was a bit happy to see that he wasn't alone in his suffering. He smiled like always, more than that in fact being around his team and best friend gave him the support he needed to shrug off the pain. That was until night, every night he would train to her voice steeling his resolve and conviction.

From there everything changed, and he saw his friends getting better… as each did he felt overjoyed but at the same time more alone. He remembered resenting that Weiss and Ruby Comforted Yang for losing Blake while seemingly ignoring him, despite knowing how childish it was. Worse was when he once more saw Cinder… he had only been reminded of how weak and useless he was. Just like before his weakness caused her to nearly kill another of his friends Weiss. Since then he had trained his semblance and upon realizing he could actually do something he had spent this entire time doing so.

Yet here again the same thing happened, more innocents had died because he still lacked what his friends had… power. Worse than that, worse than any pain he felt or rage that filled him where the two words Jean had said to him.

"I'm sorry…" Those words pierced him deeply, worse than any wound and resurrected every image from his nightmares.

Pyrrha…

"NO!" Jaune rose up grabbing the tendril before him, forcibly ripping it apart the Seer screeched in pain while Jaune struggled to stand.

"Not… again… NEVER AGaIN!" Raising up the Major turned to him and begun to charge as it did Jaune pondered what to do as the swing had knocked his weapon away from him. With his semblance he could still save her… but against the two Grimm he knew he would waste it. With that a memory filled his mind a chance, what Hazel did… Aura Infusion.

Struggling to grab the dust vials from his pockets with his injured arms but eventually found them. Pulling them out in each hand. He slammed them into each wound the tendril made ignoring the shattered glass embedding itself inside. An Unbearable pain shot through his body as he felt his muscles expanding and with them a blue and crimson glow. Feeling his arms begin to give to the unbearable power Jaune tuned the smallest amount of aura he could to them hoping it'd give him the time he needed.

The pain dulled by the lightest bit with that and he could see flames erupting from his right arm while a misty chill seethed from his left. Realizing he hadn't died from the shock of the agony Jaune faced the Major who charged forth raising his shield hand by reflects regret filled the boys mind as he remembered he didn't have it. The Ursa opened its maws for a bite only for its teeth to shatter against a huge chunk of ice, from it icicles emerged piercing the Major's jaws. While they didn't kill it, they did disfigure its mouth depriving it of its heavy bite. Jaune gripped the Grimm's paw which begun to sizzle as the Arc's right arm begun to glow a bright amber.

In pain the Major pulled back its arm only to find it incinerated Jaune roared as he pulled back his left hand the ice in the Major's maw shattering. He struck his right fist forward a fireball slamming into its face. The Major roared but Jaune bypassed it as it was distracted aiming for the Seer who responded by whipping one tendril forward. Waving his arm while tuning more aura a red blaze formed incinerating the tendril. However soon another tendril pierced his chest. with Jaune knowing it barely missed his vital but still bringing him that much closer to death.

Jaune grabbed the tendril and with his left hand freezing it before tightening his grip to shatter it however as he did another tentacle tripped him. Looking up he was met by the paw of the Major shifting he barely avoided the attack focusing his left hand and from it a large spike emerged piercing the Grimm's heart killing it. A pain surged through his stomach looking down he saw the Seer's tendril which bypassed his aura to stab into him. No sooner did a second lurch forward into his leg but as the third remaining tendril rushed to his head Jaune grabbed it.

With all his strength he tore its limb off before roaring and having an icicle spew out cutting them. Jaune slowly rose up reaching for Crocea Mors and slowly advancing towards the disarmed Seer.

Gods Yang would be proud…

Adam sneered at the Arc.

"Damn you! Huma-!"

"~Taurus… that's enough~" Adam froze and turned to the voice before doing something Jaune thought he'd never see. He kneeled as a figure took over the Seer's display, a woman he had never met but had been unfortunate to see when Emerald learned of her master's demise.

Salem…

The woman smiled an expression that unsettled him immensely.

"~So you are the partner of the former Fall Maiden.~" Jaune sneered at that trying with all he could to advance,

"~Careful now, your suppressing your aura for a chance to save the girl there are you not? ~" Jaune stopped knowing she was right.

"~Good.~"

"What do you want!" The Woman hardly seemed deterred by the boy's question smiling in fact.

"~Why to meet the child who fought young Cinder, that was you wasn't it? ~" Jaune froze.

"I didn't kill her..." The Seer closed in.

"~You misunderstand while Cinder's death was… unfortunate I would hardly have feelings of contempt for those who killed her. What interest me is the Semblance Mercury and Emerald informed me of one that amplifies one's own aura.~" A bead of sweat ran down his forehead and that was all Salem needed to see.

"~Hoho, quite honest even when silent, I do believe congratulations are in order though. After all your semblance can do far more than what young Mercury has said. Even more impressive to infuse aura to such a degree, why I would even argue that with time you could surpass Hazel.~" Salem leaned back into her chair looking to Jaune.

"What are you trying at?" Salem's eyes glowed.

"~Why, a chance.~"

"What kind of chance?"

"~Why to join us.~" The remains of one of the two torn off tentacles lifted up to the Arc's face stroking it almost sweetly despite the malevolent being doing so, each moment turning his stomach.

"Join you!" Jaune struggled to advance.

"Yes… I see potential in you boy… more than I've seen in most of your kind… even Cinder…" Jaune froze for a moment.

"~Yes to kill so many of my children and disarm my Seer in such a state speaks bounds of you child and adding your semblance why that is incredible. I see what the invincible girl saw in you the same thing I do. Power that even now is left untapped, I wonder… does Ozpin see that, or your 'friends'?~"

"Of Course they do."

"~Really the same way they saw your pain or offered you some form of solace. ~"

"Stop…"

"~heh, truly you are such an innocent boy. Still raw and malleable… even impressionable, perfect for Ozpin to groom into one of his chess pieces. Like all of his men. ~"

"As if your one to talk!"

"~Oh I am… After all I don't stop my subordinates from acting as they wish unless it is directly against my interest. Cinder wanted to inherit the Maiden's power unlike your partner.~" Those words put a lump in his stomach.

"~Or sent Hazel's sister who was no older then you to fight against beings even a veteran couldn't handle.~"

"~Or best yet, weaponizing that rose child mother's gift to attack me despite her child still needing her.~" Jaune fist shook.

"What about Vale!"

"~Oh, you think I wanted it destroyed… no all I wanted was the maiden and the relic… Cinder and her men came up with how. If you don't believe me look no further than how I demanded they operate in Mistral. None beside those at the empty school would have died. Only that traitor Lionheart, ~" Jaune was speechless.

"~Now then boy please consider your answer. ~" Despite his doubts he didn't hesitate in answering.

"Never… your responsible for her death…" Salem didn't seem surprised.

"~Wasn't that your fault. ~" Jaune's eyes widened.

"~You who she couldn't trust to be of use in battle. ~"

"Shut up…"

"~Though you could hardly be blamed after all she was barely willing to give it her all. Content with having you grow just slow enough to be needed by you. to be necessary for you. ~"

"I Said Shut Up!" Jaune was surprised to see the Seer directly before him and with it herself.

"~Thou I can offer you some relief from the others involved. Come to me and Cinder's subordinate's life will be in your hands. Their pitiable skills are little compared to what you could bring to the table. ~" Jaune once more ceased his rage before shaking his head.

"No… your still responsible for her death as well." Salem rested her tilting head on her hand.

"~By ordering Young Cinder to take the power correct. Then answer me this boy who forced that power on her knowing it was being hunted by someone with half the maiden power and enough skills to defeat one.~" Jaune clenched his fist.

"~I will admit to my fault child, but has Ozpin.~" Jaune gritted his teeth.

"~However unlike him I can offer you reciprocation. I can offer you back your precious partner. ~"

"What!?"

"~Magic exist boy, a fact I'm sure you know. Some to control the elements, others to transform oneself and yet there is an even greater power. To revive those lost… transmigration. Too move ones soul into another The same magic the gods used on Ozpin. ~" Jaune trembled at the words.

"~However I'm afraid that Ozpin would never allow that. ~" For only a moment Jaune expression darkened a sight Salem caught.

"~All you would need is her soul, or at least a piece of it and theoretically you could pull it from the Fall maiden's power. ~" Jaune begun to breathe heavily at her words hope showing within his panic.

"~Though I lack the specifics of the spell.~" his hope shattered as he glared at her only to see her smirk and realize her intent.

"~Indeed with the Relic I could learn it child and with your aura and semblance we could save her.~" Jaune shook, a torrent of emotions filling him.

"For her life everyone else would die…I can't even for her…" Each word making him cry as he denied her deal, denied Pyrrha a second chance at life. For the first time Salem frowned but there was no anger only pity and the Seer wiped the tear away.

"~Such conviction and resolve, how admirable… after having to deal with that coward Lionheart I can't help but find your strong will quite appealing. Why it makes me want you that much more. Though there are no need for that boy, if you wish it I can be lenient as I am with Hazel and Tyrian and would have been with Raven and her tribe if they hadn't betrayed me.~" Jaune looked to the woman.

"~Why if you'd rule them under me I'd allow anyone of the kingdoms to remain and anyone you wished to be spared even the silver eyed child… All you need do is serve me and be willing to oppose Ozpin.~" The temptation rose in his heart once more and Salem knew she had planted the seed.

"~Though for now I would think your focus should remain on your prize for victory.~" The Seer shifted to reveal the barely breathing Jean. Jaune rushed to her and before she could speak he rose his hands to her and begun to implant his aura only to pause as terrible realization hit him he didn't have any... his aura had expended itself healing him as he was talking to Salem.

"~How unfortunate. ~"

No, no, no, NO!

Jaune struck the ground in rage repeatedly burning the earth beneath and causing his stone like hands to crack before a tentacle grasped his hand stopping him.

"~Jaune you needeth be so distraught. ~" Jaune turned to the Seer to see its tendril regrown once more angered.

"~Calm yourself Arc I had merely wished you'd survive you only had enough aura to seal the more lethal wounds. You would've died saving her and unlike Ozpin I don't see you as expendable. But fear not I have a solution, I could give you more aura. ~" Jaune looked to her confused.

"How?"

"~Why with my Seer… it'll supply you with aura. ~" Jaune gave a light scowl.

"Grimm don't have aura even I know that."

"~Hmm, true my Seer doesn't have a soul and by extension its own aura, however it does have Lionheart's. ~" Jaune went stiff.

"~Not much I'm afraid but just enough to heal a heavily injured woman. However, it won't have it for long. My Grimm tends to use up its store aura so I'm afraid you must quickly choose to take that cowards aura or not? To save the woman or condemn her due to your own morals. ~" Jaune trembled but made up his mind.

"Fine than…" Salem sighed.

"~I warn you my Seer are a precious Grimm and acts as my relay to control the surrounding Grimm. Once it gives you Lionheart's aura it'll die, and my control will be lost. And you'll be in danger. ~" Jaune nodded.

"Ozpin told us how important these Seers are… why would you sacrifice it." The Seer once more stroked his face her expression caring.

"~To show my sincerity… Now take his aura and for once save the one you want not by coincidence but by your own choice and actions… and then remember who it was that offered her hand young Arc. ~" Suddenly the Seer's tentacles wrapped around him restraining him it's fangs beginning to shift and rattle. Abruptly the Grimm latched onto his face and Jaune could feel it pump something into him. Aura, His body begun to radiate a sickly amber as if expressing the previous owner's cowardice.

After roaring giving him the last of its aura reserves the Seer fell to the earth and begun to disintegrate. Jaune saw the aura radiating off himself and it made him feel sick to his stomach. Jaune then proceeded to Jean whose eyes were losing their remaining focus as he put his palm on her body and Lionheart's aura begun to radiate. However just as he readied to begin a noise took his attention… small babies cries.

Jaune looked back and rushed to the bundles and saw them bloody and dying but somehow by some miracle… alive. Jaune grabbed the children and rushed them towards Jean, the mother looked at her children as they struggled to breathe. She put her arms out to them to hold them close. She looked to the trembling Arc knowing what he'd say.

"I, I can't save you all… I'm, sorry…." She watched as the boy struggled to not breakdown… and felt all her sins more than she ever had before. How could she have been so blind. She had done so much evil she was sure that only this boy before her would have done what he did, risk what he did for her for a faunus after all that they took. She didn't deserve to be saved by him, but they did.

"Please save them." Slowly the crying Arc rose his disfigured hands to the infants placing them over each's heart. A yellow aura begun to radiate but knowing that wouldn't be enough to save two lives he dug even deeper and alongside the amber a pure white and beautiful red emerged.

"For it is in passing that we achieve immortality…" The bright lights begun to move towards the infants enveloping them and embracing their souls.

Once more he had failed…

"Through this, we become a paragon of virtue and glory to rise above all." Using his semblance, he made the aura as strong as possible, enduring as the act begun to reignite the dust inside both his arms. As their pain was nothing compared to his grief at his failure. Ice and fire begun to blanket the children's forms but instead of hurting them it seemed to wrap around them cradling them.

Why, why was he never strong enough…

"Infinite in distance and unbound by death, I release your soul, and by my shoulder, protect thee." From the infants a pure white light emerged that matched Jaune's own almost as if to represent their purity. With that Jaune had nothing left and his arms dropped and begun to crack.

Jean looked to her children seeing them breathe, alive and shining with a powerful aura. She looked to the arc…

"T-They have a lot…" he remembered hearing those words from the first person he failed and found it unbearable to say it to the second he had let die.

Jean looked to the boy looking at his crying form you'd never imagine what strength he held. The boy looked no different to her then a hurt child. Such unfathomable compassion, she smiled and rose her hand to him stroking his face like only a mother could. Such a person was what she had hoped her cause would inspire, what foolishness she had.

"Please take off my mask…" Slowly the Arc removed it with trembling hands to reveal a woman with long pale white hair and piercing blue icy eyes. Jaune would think her a Schnee if he hadn't seen her tail earlier.

"My name is Jean… Jean Stars." Jaune lowered his head his forehead kissing the dirt.

"I'm sorry! I'm so sorry!" She felt her heart grow heavy as the boy kept apologizing. He had done so much and yet still he felt such despair.

"Jaune…" His name snapped the boy from his stupor and he looked to her.

"Please stop… It is me who should apologize… We have taken so much from you…" Jaune looked to her and his eyes widen.

"For what we did to Vale… perhaps my death can quell a bit of your resentment… if it can do that the-" Suddenly she felt her form being hoisted up by the boy in a princess carry alongside her children.

"No…" Jaune then begun to rush into the foliage towards Vale.

"Jaune…"

"No! Not another word like that!" The arc didn't face her and yet she could tell she was all he cared about at the moment.

"You can't right your wrongs by dying! If you do your children will have nobody left! So live!" She looked to the boy who seemed rekindled with determination.

"Write your wrongs by raising the next generation to be better!" Jean looked to him.

"Even though I'm from the White Fang…"

"One of my best friends was a former member so why not you."

"Even though I was involved in The Breach…"

"That was under Roman's and 'her' orders."

"Even though I took part in The Fall of Vale in the Invincible Girls deat-"

"That wasn't you!" Jean paused.

"That was a monster born of hate and resentment… not the mother who gave up her life to save her children." Jean fell silent as a tear rain down her cheek and she smiled.

How horrible, my husband just died, and I find myself falling for a boy half my age… and a human no less. All while being carried like a princess by her white knight…

She watched as Jaune roared out for help hoping throughout hope someone would hear him.

"Thankyou Jaune."

"I haven't saved you yet, you shouldn't thank me…" Jean shook her head.

"Yes you have… so let me express my gratitude…Thankyou for forgiving me for something unforgivable…" She could feel her body going numb.

"Thankyou for saving my children…" Jaune increased his pace.

"Thankyou for… coming to help those who took so much from you." She could feel the embers of Jaune's aura race into her in his futile attempt to save her. Managing at most to give her a few more precious seconds.

"Thankyou for crying for me… not seeing my race but my life." She felt as the boy's body trembled.

"And most of all…" Jean leaned forward kissing the boy's cheek. As she pulled away she spoke.

"Thank you for giving me hope in this hopeless world… I entrust everything I have and am to you and take the blasted names I stained them with… please protect them…"

To have met somebody like you this life was truly a blessing.

Jean went limp in Jaune's arms her face content, he twins crying out, while Jaune fell to his knees and did the same…

After roaring till his throat felt like it was on fire the Arc begun to raise only to notice the snarls surrounding him. Looking around he saw dozen's of Beowulves closing in Jaune couldn't stand he didn't have the strength… he was defenseless.

Is this all I can do?

Jaune looked down to the twins and their dead mother.

No…

Quickly he pulled out his shield and covered the two with it. before placing himself on top of it.

I can see the lights of Haven, I'm so close.

Jaune roared out with all he could for someone, anyone to come. He roared in desperation letting all his sorrow and rage be known as he begun to cough blood. The Beowulves lunged at him piling over him and tearing into the screaming Arc and yet he didn't cry out in pain but roared in hope. Even as he felt his flesh being pierced, torn and devoured he didn't dare stop.

Even if I die! I won't fail again! I won't fail them!

An Alpha emerged from the foliage its eyes locked on the Arc's throat. With almost lighting like speed it rushed forward its fangs ready to eviscerate the boy's neck. However, before the jaws could clamp down on his flesh a nearby crow rushed forward and transformed into a man of it's namesake. Qrow emerged and tackled into the Alpha impaling it with his broadsword with a single slash he tore it apart. Turning he saw Jaune and his eyes widened as he saw the condition of the boy.

"Kid!" Qrow rushed forward his blade transforming to that of a scythe as he drove head first into the Grimm at a speed only Ruby could match. Standing before Jaune he cut apart the Grimm devouring him before looking down. And seeing by some miracle that the boy was still breathing. What's more beneath he saw a woman and heard the cries of infants.

He was protecting people in this state!

He saw the kids arms how they were cracked from aura infusion.

What lengths did you go…

Slowly the boy looked to Qrow, his eyes radiating with a determination that refused to let him rest until his mission was done.

"Can you stop them all." He watched as the boy's body trembled in an attempt to rise to help.

Even now…

Visions of Summer filled his mind looking at the boy's resolve. Slowly Qrow laid his hand on the boy's head.

"Don't worry, I wasn't the only one to hear you, just the fastest." A roar burst through the forest as Grimm were thrown left and right by the colossal man that was Ghira Belladonna. By him two more figures emerged to his left Sun begun to beat any nearby Grimm while to his left Illia pierced each approaching foe. Behind them dozens of men and women stepped forward with simple shields and spears but great formation and wills of steel that could only be forged by a purpose. The purpose they inherited by Blake, besides Ghira a smaller form rushed out towards Jaune and Qrow hearing the babies cries. A shocked and horrified Kali kneeled down to them.

"Oh gods" She kneeled before Blake's friend not even comprehended the situation only focusing on the boy before her.

"He who was calling for help, this kid saved these children but couldn't fight back." Kali leaned forward placing a hand on Jaune and pushing whatever aura she could into him hoping his body would use it to heal with his semblance. Despite her panic she froze as the blonde boy looked up to her with barely conscious eyes.

"Please… save them…" Kali felt her soul tighten at the boys request not even considering his own safety just the two he had sacrificed himself to save.

"I promise you, we will…"

"Thankyo-" The Arc fell forward the moment the twins were taken by Qrow from below him. With her barely managing to catch him. This child had seemed so weak to her when Blake introduced her friends but right now he seemed on par with any man she had ever met. He had pushed himself till these two-precious existence were safe even at the cost of possibly even his life. Not many would do so human, faunus, Huntsman or civilian.

"Forgive me for ever thinking you were less than a huntsman…"

-Grimmlands-

Salem watched through her Seer as the Arc boy fell unconscious, a smile on her face.

"~To have the resolve to save two lives instead of one and the power to make it reality… I wasn't wrong in sacrificing one of my Seers. ~" Salem turned towards Adam.

"~Mr. Taurus, do you have any complaints? ~" The Bull faunus didn't shift from his kneeling position.

"No ma'am. Though I must ask is his value really so much?" Salem chuckled as she leaned on her arm.

"~Indeed more so than dear Cinder ever was. beyond the boy's potential there lies a possibility. ~" Adam looked up curiously.

"Possibility?" Salem grinned.

"~Yes… that boy can amplify one's aura by implementing his own and multiplying the host's own aura… perhaps under the right conditions it can or at least evolve to take that aura, or dampened it or even nullify ones aura entirely. Besides you saw it he didn't just unlock those twos aura but permanently amplified them to that of a grown man's alongside naturally infusing dust into them. ~" Adam nodded in understanding but still spoke.

"Still that wouldn't be enough to sacrifice a Seer." Salem was impressed since the faunus boys meeting her he had grown immensely in both strength and wisdom despite their short time. More impressive was his view of her, while he didn't idolize her like Tyrian, he did respect her power and unlike most her being neither human nor faunus actually seemed to please him somehow something she quite enjoyed, She nodded at the boy deductive skills.

"~Indeed, if that were all I would've merely kidnapped the boy and had Watts brainwash him, however… did you see it? the red glow from the former maiden? ~" Slowly Adam nodded in understanding.

"You think he could isolate Ozpin's soul."

"~I know he can. If he could succeed in identifying that small fraction of a soul within himself surely finding Ozpin's within that Oscar child will be quite easy. ~"

"And if your theories correct he could nullify him… erase him." Salem smiled.

"~Cinder may have not seen his value, but I do… if he were to simply ask for a mere kingdom I'll give him one just as I will you… and once all the relics are mine even those two foolish gods will be powerless before me and the first and most important step rest entirely upon that boy. ~"

"Is that why you implanted the Seer's parasite inside him like that." Salem smile grew.

"~Indeed, slowly it'll whisper to him his higher purpose. After all I have already planted the seed of doubt within him, eventually he'll come to me. So tell me young Taurus would you accept another human within our ranks. ~" Adam smiled genuinely surprising her.

"He had proven me wrong if those two racist underlings of Cinder will die when he enters it'll be a far more acceptable situation. Besides with him and Hazel being the only two human and myself and Tyrian… thing will finally be equal. However why spy on him?"

"~Why, to learn my dear Taurus, knowledge is power look no further than the relic… with every knew bit I learn of the boy, it'll be that much easier to stir him our way. ~"

"I… see, forgive me." Salem nodded in acceptance while deep inside she pondered a second ambition that begun to surface in her mind. Visions of an Arc the definition of paragons raising his sword in her name and cutting down all who would oppose. Behind him an army of Grimm and before him his helpless prey. Yes, this is the potential she saw, the same potential that Nikos child saw but on a much grander scale. The potential to lead.

If I curse his soul to forever trabsmigrate like Ozpin he'll forever be mine… my piece, my weapon, my knight…