The Prideful Sin of Arc 7

The Arc's Lonely Song

Happy Thanks Giving


Parody: Seven Deadly Sins Chapters 327.5


He'd remembered that day for the rest of his life, the day he'd lost everything, his family, his kingdom and the only person who'd truly cherished him. He hadn't meant it, truly he hadn't, Saphron had just bullied him a bit, nothing more then that. After all she was merely jealous he'd gotten so much attention, if not by his parents as their sole son then by the Knight Pyrrha who'd she'd yearned for.

He'd always been a frail child, taken weeks more to be strong enough to crawl and even stand then his sisters. His mother had fretted over him and not allowed him out. Not until that day… He felt, healthy under the sun, stronger with more energy. Saphron had seen an opening and pushed him down, he tried to stand up only to be pushed back down by her.

"Why? Why are you being so mean sis?" He could see it in her eyes, a hint of guilt but pushed back by the stubbornness only a child could wield.

"Cause everyone treats you so special! Mom, dad and even the miss Nikos! It's not fair!"

"St-stop!" Again he tried to stand and again she pushed him he heard it then something snap and he screamed. Saphron paused confused before leaning forward worried.

"J-Jaune! Are you oka- Hey let me go!" A small hand gripped her them holding her wrist yet when she tried to pull it away she found the efforted wasted.

"Jaune! Lemme g-"

'Crack'

"AHHH!" The servants and guards came running panic clear as they rushed towards his sister who cried in pain as her arm purpled. He went to ask what was wrong only for said men and women to freeze at the sight of him. He hadn't understood.

"What is that!?" What were they talking about? It was him they're prince. Slowly they rose their spears aiming them his way, he didn't know what was happening why were they pointing those at him.

'Thump!' Pain shot through him then, he screamed as his shoulder burned where the spear's end had stabbed. Perhaps his voice was yet to be as disturbed as his form because the people seemed to recognize it.

"Is that…"

"The, the young prince…?"

"My dear Saphron! Move aside and let me see my daughter!" His father rushed in then his guards at his side including the strongest in their kingdom herself. Despite how the king focused on his child she regarded him with emerald eyes, he knew her all to well, she was the nicest girl he knew. Lots of people treated her like she was amazing and she was but to him she was just the nice lady and his first… well, that didn't matter. She was the kingdom of Ansel's strongest, the Knight monikered goddess of Victory said to even rival the Miraculous Sins of Vale. She was Pyrrha Nikos the invincible Girl and his only friend in this world. And somehow despite whatever made other people not recognize him, she did.

"Jaune?" The king paused then looking to what she regarded before he paled and pointed.

"J-Jaune… Wh-Whats happened to you, why do you look like that!?" What did he mean what was wrong with him. He saw it then his reflection in Pyrrha's shield, He saw not a boy in his tender youth nor even a Arc but a mass of muscles, vaguely resembling himself. It was then he realized his appearance, a child with muscles bulkier than any man, no wonder the others were disturbed.

"That can't be the prince!"

"Monster!" Pyrrha silenced them with a spiteful glare shutting the guards up before she turned back to him. She could see it, his confusion, his fear and panic, she saw tears beginning to form in his eyes.

"I-I didn't mean to, I-I don't know what's happening?" His words were cut off then as arms wrapped around his unusual form and crimson locks spilled over him as she held him close.

"Of course, you didn't Jaune, you're a sweet prince who'd never hurt a fly… I know this." She calmed his emotions usually strong at the moment, even now he grew in her arms his size increasing and muscles growing. Pyrrha looked back to the king noting his panic and a glint in his eyes as he stared at his son that unsettled her.

"My lord, we should seek aid for Saphron as soon as possible and bring the prince somewhere secured till we now what is upon him." He nodded.

"Yes, lets. Men you heard the Invincible Girl bring Saph to a doctor quick and secure 'it' somewhere safe." Pyrrha looked to her men then a note of fire in her eyes as she spoke.

"I will escort the 'prince' myself."

"Nikos, perhaps you should escort Saphron, she does adore you so and I know your presence will bring her great confor-"

"I'm afraid I must decline my 'lord' the men seem weak willed before the 'prince' so it'd be best I escort him to safety." Julius made to speak but stopped himself. After all, despite her talents and strength, Pyrrha was a hedge Knight, a kingless knight who'd sought fame and glory in tournaments. Many had sought her, whether for her beauty, strength or mind and so many more reasons yet she cowed to none never calling one her king… Yet only Jaune a prince.

"Julius nodded not willing to chance losing his golden hen over trying to closen her to his daughter." She led Jaunes into the palace and was startled when his form reduced returning to that of a child outside of the sun rays. He'd not been allowed out after that, yet the damage had been done, rumors of his hideous appearance roved far and wide. His mother denied such claims while Pyrrha stood strong beside him yet his father always held a level gaze to him from that day on.


Slowly the people of the palace begun to shun the boy, leaving Jaunes alone, even his sisters feared him after what he'd done to Saphron yet never once did Pyrrha treat him any different. It was one such day while he enjoyed a tea party with said knight, a luxury he quite enjoyed spending with his only friend. He asked her then the question he'd always wondered.

"Miss, Nikos…" She smiled then.

"Jaune, I've told you, I'm no older than your eldest sister, please call me Pyrrha." He blushed looking at the ground before his face turned shamed.

"Miss Pyrrha, why, why don't you avoid me like the others?" Pyrrha stopped drinking her tea looking to the boy standing there even now he stood away from the window as if scared of it even though such a thick curtain blocked day's light.

"When you say others?" Jaune shook.

"The servants, the knights and even my family… mom still treats me the same but father…" She watched him shake and stood up then going to the shaking child.

"I'm, I'm a monster aren't I?" Arms wrapped around him as the spartan held him close.

"Nonsense. As if such a sweet boy could be a monster."

"But, then why?"

"Because they can't see past their prejudices."

"Prejudices?"

"Yes, prejudices, your… different my prince and there is nothing wrong with that. Unfortunately many places judge others for that." Jaune's eyes knitted.

"Like how those meanies in Vacuo hunt fairies right? Or giant slayers in Mantle?" she nodded glumly.

"Indeed, many races are treated unfairly for things they have no control of." Jaune looked down to the floor.

"Oh, but… that's stupid." She smiled.

"I believe so to, I've gone to many places Jaune, and I've yet to meet a king who is truly fair and just. I had hoped Ansel would be different, I'd heard about the fairness of the Arcs, yet for a father to so readily abandon his child for something out of his control. It would seem the king here is no different."

"Does that mean you'll be leaving?" There was genuine sadness in the boy's eyes, if she left he'd have nobody. An idea came to his mind then.

"Then I'll be the kind of king you want!" She paused looking to him as he smiled earnestly.

"I don't like people being mean to others either! So, when I become king I'll make sure everyone are friends! And you can be my Quee- I MEAN KNIGHT!" Pyrrha saw how the little boy looked down blushing and giggled, he was an adorable little thing, it was true he was weak for a child his age yet she suspected it was due to his 'condition' seeing as how strong he grew.

"Do you mean that my little prince?" Jaunes nodded blushing.

"Of course, Arc's word!" Pyrrha blinked, after all Jaune was a honest child, ever since she'd met him when he was a toddler and her a prodigy knight just past her teens he'd been such. If he'd made a promise, she knew he'd keep it, she smiled then at the boy she'd watch grow, who'd she'd only ever seen the best of humanity in. While others may have seen his state in daylight as a curse she did not, he was merely different yet that was not the same as bad. She rubbed his head then smiling.

"Very well, once you've become a fine king I'll be your knight, your blade." Jaunes smiled up at her and she giggled as his eyes sparkled, he was such an adorable honest little thing. She smiled slightly then like one's older sister might just before teasing their adorable little sibling.

"Or perhaps you'd prefer me to be your queen?" The boy's face reddened as he waved his hands and sputtered utterly red faced and embarrassed.

So cute…

She pinched his cheek and that was enough to make him loose his little head.

Things had continued as such a good year, she'd noted how serious the boy had become about studying surely to keep his word. He'd even taken to trying with a stick as to try to learn swordplay surely in hopes of wield his families blade Crocea Mors the blade every king before had wielded. For a moment he'd hoped that those peaceful days wouldn't end, but like all good things they could only last so long.


"Abomination!" Pyrrha stood before several dozen guards shielding her prince from them and the wailing woman behind the men. She was Aria Arc, the Queen and Jaune's mother yet now she looked to her son, her only son like he was the most horrid thing in the world. It'd been a mistake, a maid not closing the window during her cleaning. The days winds had been just strong enough to allow the curtains to lift and the sunlight to invade.

Aria had never witnessed her son's visage under daylight yet she promised her son he was no monster, that she loved him. Aria was clearly no Arc as she pointed to him tears running down her eyes as if he'd killed her actual child.

"That is no son of mine, curse, he is a cursed being!" Pyrrha glared at her as the knights hesitated to try their luck. She'd pleaded to the king after beheading those who'd dared attack royalty yet what he spoke shook her to her being.

"If it is allowed to live, it'll destroy our kingdom… My so- No the beast must be killed for the good of Ansel!" Julius hadn't expected her to slap him and turn her back on the kingdom she'd protected so long as she ran to her prince finding him scared and surrounded. He'd had the power to defeat dozens of guards she knew yet he would never want to hurt others. She'd attacked like lightening taking the lives of all who dared oppose her and raise their blade to Jaune.

She took him then rushing with the boy out of the palace, for many days they'd hid, knights looking for the lost prince, but not to rescue him…

"The prince has escaped!"

"Find him and kill him! It mustn't get away, the king has ordered it!" Jaune shook and cried, whispering the very parents who despised him in his sleep, when he woke he'd apologize to her, it broke her heart to see. She promised him then that he would be okay and she'd made sure of it.

"Okay my prince, into the barrel and remember you mustn't come out till night, you do not wish to scare your host." Jaune trembled in the rain it being a blessing as it made him maintain his normal state, behind them the smugglers waited only having enough room for one.

"Please don't leave me Pyrrha! I-I'll be good I promise! I don't wanna run away by myself, I don't want to be alone…" He shook and cried.

"I'm sorry, it because of me, because you protected me! If you hadn't then you wouldn't have to-" Again she hugged him for what might very well be the last time.

"None of this is your fault my prince…" He did not believe her she knew, but one day she'd hope he'd see that.

"Promise me Jaune, promise that you will stay healthy." He nodded.

"I-I promise, I will." She smiled then as she let him go before raising a hand to his cheek and smiling to him, to her little king.

"Know this, you are never alone." Slowly her form begun to glow red.

"For it is in passing that we achieve immortality." She felt his soul as she bonded to it, it was so warm, like the sun, it was an utterly beautiful soul.

"Through this, we become a paragon of virtue and glory to rise above all." The purest white begun to seethe from him then it so warm and inviting.

"Infinite in distance and unbound by death, I release your soul, and by my shoulder, protect thee." She looked to him then seeing his splendid radiance he truly had a strong, kind soul, how else could his aura be so beautifully white.

"I will always be with you my Prince…" A chaste kiss to his forehead was all she could give before she helped him into the barrel, she'd made it clear to the men that if so, much as a scratch came to him their lives would be forfeit. She watched as he left, and though she knew he would be safe she could not help but miss the days they'd spend together and wish there could only be more. Her greatest regret was knowing she'd not get to see him become a splendid king like he'd promised.


Jaune stood within the castle Beacon of Vale surrounded by nobles and knights alike as the king looked down upon him. Honestly to chain one like him so thoroughly as he was at midnight was a joke for a string honestly could've done the same. Yet all things considered he couldn't really blame them as their Knight Commander Summer stood on crutches with a sling over her shattered arm. That wasn't even looking at the several dozen knights that'd been heavily injured alongside her. Today was the trial for this man.

"Let us begin, you have terrorized and trampled over many villages and towns throughout the kingdom. Even injuring the knight who sought to restrain you. Not only that but you blatantly ignored and even mocked the words and laws of out king." The king looked to the man before him, he was actually surprised to hear that, after all he appeared quite kind and polite and hardly seemed capable of such claims with his frail form. However, the noble brought down his verdict before the king could speak.

"For your crimes of destruction and terror as well as Lèse-majesté, we sentence you to flogging to be followed by a public hanging! Such is the only punishment acceptable for one who so sinfully embodied the greatest sin of Pride!" Jaune spoke up then panic in his eyes as he hoped they'd hear him out after all Vale was supposed to be a fair kingdom right?

"W-Wait! You got it all wrong! I got rid of the monsters that were troubling the town and villages! But the people were scared and thought I was one of them! As for what I said of the king… I, I can't help it so close to high noon!" However, none would hear him.

"Unless you have proof of your claim silence sinner!" Jaune looked down, not believing this, he was only trying to do good, so why.

I'm sorry Pyrrha it looks like this is how I die… I, I wasted you sacrifice.

Despair took the Arc, but at least, at least a wretched existence like himself would finally perish.

"I'll take him your kingliness!"

"Huh?" Jaune turned seeing a familiar face, yes the one who'd been with the beautiful Snow Angel who hadn't been scared of his daytime form. She looked to him with a wide happy smile.

"Your… the girl who was with miss Weiss?" She pouted then silver eyes baring into him.

"Hey the names not girl its Ruby, Ruby Rose."

"this is absurd!"

"Will she truly be taking another sinner into her ranks!"

"That one's as inhuman was the others she takes!" Jaune shuddered at their fierce words yet Ruby simply took his hand seeming not at all bothered by the noble's complaints.

"Come on let leave all these sore losers." Quickly they tore through the hall Jaunes noting how none of the Knight's seemed eager to stop her.

"Okay let's get going! Oh, you're not scared of heights are you Jaune?"

"What? No I'm no-AHHHH!" without warning the reaper leaped high in the air before she broke into a storm of petals carrying him off with her towards a tavern. Upon landing several new faces came out to greet him. The first a blonde human like himself walked right up to Ruby a smile on her face.

"Oh, so this is our newest member huh sis?"

"Yep, his names Jaune he's the one who did your job for you and took out those monsters making a mess of the western towns." Yang blinked before looking over to Jaune.

"Oh, seriously." She smiled before making her way to him a sway to her hips and a teasing grin on her face.

"Well, guess I should be thanking you then pal. Sorry about that but mama wanted a drink and you know how it is. Hey, you alright?" She saw how the blonde covered his mouth his face a bit green.

"Blaggh!"

"Ahh! My shoes!" After several long minutes and Nora holding Yang back from punching the queasy blonde he was directed inside.

"'snicker' That was so funny!" Yang glared at the giantess.

"No it wasn't!" The group broke into laughter at the new nickname while Jaune himself blushed embarrassed. However, Jaune himself turned to Ruby.

"Um, miss Rose?" Said girl groaned.

"Miss rose is my mom… who you beat up by the ways, just call me Ruby." Jaune slowly nodded.

"Ruby, why, why did you save me?" Said girl just smiled.

"Well duh, cause your one of us."

"One of you?"

"Yep, a sin, you're our newest member! Let see? Hmm, it takes some courage to say stuff like that about the king, like a dog, no, Oh I know like a lion! Yeah that's it! You'll be the Lion sin of Pride Jaune!"

"The Six Miraculous Sins!? Me a member!?"

"Well, Seven now and yep." Before Jaune could ask any more Nora lowered to her knees to get a better look at Jaune.

"Aww, Ruby you lied, you said he was a giant like me!"

"I said he gets giant like you." Ren nodded. Pleased to see Jaune actually looking the Valkyrie in the eyes instead of south to her massive peaks.

"So what's your power! I can control earth! Renny can do a bunch of cool stuff with Stormflower." Ren nodded before flying towards Jaune presenting his hand.

"Pleased to meet you, I am Lie Ren the grizzly sin of Sloth, I believe you already met miss Xiao-Long she's the Fox sin of Greed and this is Nora."

"I'm the snake sin of Envy!" Ren nodded, A figure stepped up to him then, she was quite pretty with raven locks like a moonless night.

"Blake…" She brought out her hand and he nervously took it not noting her magic in effect.

"Peculiar, you're as powerful as a child."

"Blake haven't I told you before how rude it is analyses people without their consent." The voice was like a bell making his heart skip before he turned to see her. Hair like a fresh winter day and skin just as pale and sublime with eyes as pure and blue as a frozen oasis. She stood dignified without a hint of fear despite knowing his daytime state and smiled calming to him the sight making his heart skip.

"It is a pleasure to see you again Jaune." Nora shot up by the angelic beauty with a wide smile.

"This is Weissy, she's the strongest mage in the world." The woman snorted yet even that seemed dignified.

"Valkyrie please. Though I've yet to meet a sorcerer my equal." She flipped her hair before looking to Jaune.

"Nice to meet you again Jaune, I am Weiss, the Miraculous Sin of Gluttony."

"She's a pig! Oink oink!"

"Nora! I am the Boar you dolt!" Jaune smiled.

"It's nice to meet you again mis Schnee."

"Huh? You know Jaune-Jaune Weissy?"

"'ahem' Quite, it would seem he's helped a great deal of people around Vale not that any of them are thankful far too sacred of his appearance. Me and Ruby had wanted to find him before the king ordered for his subjugation." Nora far to bored with the explanation already leaned into Jaune a look of contemplation on her face.

"So Jaune-Jaune, do you like boys, like pretty long haired one with adorable lil wings?"

"that… is a bit to specific, but no, I'm prefer the fairer sex."

"YOU PASS!"

"Whohoo!" No sooner did Nora scoop the boy up and begun to swing him around much to his stomachs pain.

"Blagh!"

"AHHH! JAUNE-JAUNE NO!"

"HA! Not so funny when it's you he blows chunks on is it!?" After several more minutes of everyone laughing at Nora as ren cleaned her crying face Yang patted his back.

"You're a fun little noodle aren'tcha Vomitboy." Jaune chuckled somberly before Yang leaned close her voice husky.

"So why don't you whip it out and show us what you're working with huh?" Jaune went red.

"Xiao-Long!"

"What, I'll show him mine if he shows me his." Jaunes face burned as the brawler laughed before pulling out a pair of gloves runes inscribed on it.

"These are my weapons Ember Celica, Ren there uses a spear and Nora a hammer." She grinned at Jaune before crossing her arms pushing up her ample assets.

"What's the matter thinking I was talking about something else?" Jaune was trying to speak he really was, but words just wouldn't come out no matter how hard he tried. Finally the brawler gave the blonde a break going into a bout of laughter at his confusion.

"Oh man, your perfect for us VB! 'snicker' but seriously, you've got a weapon or what?" Jaune shook his head making Yang sigh.

"Well your scraggly butt sure as Oum ain't no brawler, so what you a magic nut like Weisscream there?"

"Hey!" Nora leaped in then curiosity overflowing.

"Oh! Are you a wizard Jaune-Jaune! Is your magic Barfing? If so that sucks!"

"Nora, sorry Jaune, but I must admit I am curious as well, also Nora won't stop asking until you tell he." Blake chimed in then.

"Based upon his physic and strength it must be mage craft or subterfuge, a spy or assassin perhaps?"

"No way Jaune-Jaune's a wizard I'm telling you! Right Renny!"

"Personally I'd have thought he'd be more prone to knife work or bows." Jaune struggled to speak then deciding it wasn't good to keep others wondering.

"P-P-P-Poetry… and writing." The others laughed at the hilarious joke yet Jaune wasn't so inclined.

"Okay then mister poet! Why don't you regal us with one of your heart turning poems that'd make maidens all weak in the knees." Weiss jabbed Yang but the immortal ignored her.

"Um, okay. 'ahem' "

"Though I've know pain so long
Today I've met a friend
Her smile like a summer morning
Her eyes like silver grace
Her kindness warms the heart
Her friendship the soul
named after a diamond and flower that pale to her glow."

Stopping Ren clapped quite enjoying the poem while Nora grinned ear to ear as she looked to their leader who was currently utterly red faced and being teased by Yang relentlessly.

"Another! Make it bout me!"

"'sigh' Nora he can't just make a poem on the spo-"

"Energetic like spring
warm like summer
hair like the dawn and a voice like pleasant thunder
Sweet as a flower, stronger than an Ox
Her name is Nora Valkyrie a girl with a large heart."

Nora smiled happily as she bounced making the earth shake.

"Did you hear that Renny! Did you, did you?!" Ren chuckled clapping as he agreed with Jaune's poem entirely it being a quite apt description of his childhood friend.

"Oh, oh I know do one about Weissy next!" Jaune looked to the sorceress before looking down blushing.

"I-I wouldn't dream of coming up with such a poem on the spot." Before Nora could even boo Yang sauntered over.

"Okay Vomitboy then how about one for this dragon?"

"I thought you were a fox?"

"Zip it Nora." Jaune nodded and begun.

"Fierce like fire
hotter than the sun
Stronger than a goliath
eyes that burn even within her soul
she is a greedy dragon
but also a playful fox
she is Yang Xiao-Long
And she burns like a fierce dawn."

Said brawler grinned as the others clapped, before ruby finally seeing a chance grabs the strongest drink she can find all to ready to being operation drink till we all forget!

Four of the seven were all over the place wasted and knocked out, Jaune and Ruby sat across from one another the rose gulping down an entire barrel yet somehow still none the worst for ware while Weiss had vanished.

"Ah, that the stuff, this is great all seven of us are finally gathered together. Things went way easier then I thought and it's all thanks to you Jaune? Hmm? Jaune?" She looked down to her barrel and blinked before looking back up to where she could've sworn the blonde noddle had.

"Where'd he go?"

'shut'


Jaune turned away from the tavern walking towards the cities outline. Today had been fun, sure it might have started out bad, okay absolutely horrible but still. He recalled the six odd balls and smiled, it was fun, the most fun he'd had in a long time.

Well duh, cause your one of us

He shook the thought from his head, ruby didn't know, none of them knew exactly what a danger he was…

That can't be the prince!

Monster!

Abomination

That is no son of mine

Cursed being

All he'd do is hurt them all.

He looked to the hillside noting how it slowly brightened.

"It's almost morning, I need to run." He looked back to the tavern and smiled, not to it but to the six kind souls inside.

"On this night I say goodbye
The six sins, so precious and kind
I hope you best I wish you better then I
I will remember this night for the rest of this cursed life
For the kindness you gave and the warmth of your heart that's reached mine."

"You are quite the poet aren't you Jaune, I must admit to feeling a tad regretful not having you come up with one for myself." Jaune froze in place before turning.

"Snow Ange- I mean miss Schnee?!" She nodded.

"I don't particularly mind the nickname, though I can't say I'm very fond of it. Now then Jaune, where are you going so early in the day?"

"What are you doing here!?" Weiss's brows knitted.

"Please reframe from answering one question with another, now tell me why are you leaving, Ruby will be quite hurt if you were to disappear." Jaune fumbled with his hands as he avoided the beautiful girls icy gaze.

"It's… it's?" Weiss folded her arms less then pleased.

"Tell me Jaune, and just know I can detect truths from lies."

"I'm scared! I-I don't want to hurt anybody, especially all of you! You've all been so nice, I-I just don't want this curse to cause any more pain to others! If you or any of the others were to be hurt by me I'd never forgive myself." This earned Weiss's curiosity.

"Curse? Could that be what manifested that peculiar form me and Ruby had witnessed that day?" Jaune nodded sadly.

"Y-yes, during the day I grow stronger and… meaner, no that's not right more, uncaring… I lose control of myself after the first few hours. I've hurt and scared so many people in that state."

As if such a sweet boy could be a monster

You were wrong… Something like me should've never been born.

Weiss looked to him genuinely curious, he worried for others despite his own plight. Even those knights who'd hunted him he'd spared if what she'd seen him like their last meeting was what they fought. Her lips rose the smallest degree.

"I was right, you are a interesting man Jaune." Steam practically whistled from his ears.

"I-I mean it! I'm dangerous-" he stopped as the sun finally peaked and fear took his heart then, he was to late he turned to Weiss. Who looked at him wide-eyed and warned even as his voice altered like his form.

"Run miSS SCHNEE…"


Ruby exited the tavern looking around for her newest bestie, Jaune was fun after all, really nice too and even made an embarrassing but not bad poem for her. She zipped around looking before finally spotting Weiss who stood beside something just outside the town's gate. As she stepped towards it she begun to recognize the figure, he looked different that was for sure, but he also didn't look like how he did when they'd first met him. He looked kinda in-between like a mini giant with a build better than any holy knight but that same childish face.

"Oh looks like your back to be super strong again huh? Awesome!" She made her way to him.

"Stay back unless you wish to forfeit your life little girl." Weiss's brow rose at the sheer change in demeanor, the arrogance in his tone but also she saw how he shook and trembled as if scared but not of himself.

"Oh come on Jaune, we're pals you don't need to be so mean, hey! Now that your all buff and strong how about we test out how strong you are so we can figure out what you can do for the team."

"Surely you jest, thinking you can fight me." Ruby pouted.

"I'm being serious."

"Heh, facing me? You truly are a foolish little child, I will say this only once… Step back and go, If you take even a step closer I can't promise you will remain among the living…" Weiss shuddered at the tone, he was being serious, even now she could hear the kinder disposition he'd had earlier diminishing and being replaced by this colder personality. However, like always Ruby either didn't hear Jaune or didn't care as she smiled mischievously.

"Oh? Is that so Vomitboy?" With a smile she jumped closer to Jaunes smirking like she'd done something to be proud of. Behind Yang emerged from the Tavern looking for ruby and seeing three figures in the distance.

"'Yawn' Hey rubes whose the big gu-Agh!"

'Crack!'

A bloodied Ruby slammed into the brawler's neck headfirst making said blonde's aura shatter from the force and bones break from the impact as she was launched off with her leader into a wall that she splattered against like a wet balloon her blood spewing everywhere. Weiss looked to the two shocked.

"I-I didn't-" Weiss turned to Jaune finding him standing at seven feet as he looked to his shaking fist covered in red.

"This is, this is why I told you to-" He looked to them, to the girl who'd saved him from execution and the teasing brawler who acted like what he'd imagined one of his sister's might've had he'd been born a normal boy. Tears feel from his eyes.

Monster!

Abomination!

Cursed!

"No…" Ren and Nora woke looking outside curious to find their friends.

"Renny what happened to the others?"

"Patience Nora I'm sure we'll find them soo-" He froze upon seeing Ruby and Yang against the wall their states obviously that of the dead.

"Ruby! Yangarang!" Nora rushed to the duo while Jaune himself shook.

"I-I told her… I said to stop!"

It'll destroy our kingdom!

He shut his eyes to the world only for her visage to greet him, emerald eyes and a kind smile, how shamed she be to see what he'd done…

"Dammit… DAMN IT ALL!" Jaunes broke into a run not wanting to face them anymore, they knew now, they'd seen the monster he was! He ran, as far as his legs would take him till he reached a mountain, he looked up to it and allowed himself to give to his emotions and the persona of the day. A fist rose he struck again and again, each blow like thunder, exploding the rock and shattering it.

Why! Why must he live if all he could do was hurt others! He begged the brothers, pleaded for them to hear him!

Please… If there's someone who can, please stop me!

A smile grew on his face, one uncaring for the lives of these weak pitiful beings.

Take it away!

These beings who approached him smiling as if he was one of them when he stood above, who'd deny him isolation and themselves their weak little envious lives among others!

Please kill this monster that is me!


Weiss flew through the air searching she'd been doing such all day and was shocked to still find no traces of Jaune. Could he have truly reached so far on foot, she paused then upon spotting something, a mountain or what should've been one as all that was in its place was a thin crude structure of rock surrounded by rubble. She'd found him then, sitting there at its base arms wrapped around his knees and face buried. She descended to him, his whimpers and sobs clear to the ears, she folded her arms then glaring at him.

"I don't find it particularly thrilling to spend my whole day searching throughout these mountains you know." Jaune didn't face her, he didn't deserve to.

"I've been alone all my life… since as far as I could remember I've always been alone. Besides 'her' and I know she'd regret having met me… Everytime I use this power, regardless of whether I hurt them or not or even save them. People always come to fear it, fear me." He looked to his fist, so frail and small know, yet he could still make out the hints of dried blood on it. of their blood.

"I treasured it, that time with you all, for people to actually want me around, I've never been so happy…" Weiss's annoyance vanished as genuine concern shone through.

"Then why not join us? I believe I've already said as much, those people are fools, scared of anything new, with your power you could save many lives. You are no monster."

"You sound just like her… Like Pyrrha." He smiled to her happily.

"Even if you don't look like her your just as kind." His smile fell then.

"Even after what I've done, after I killed your friends, you still tried to comfort something like me."

"Huh? Who'd you kill!"

"Yeah Vomitboy that's a crime y'know?" Jaune turned then shocked when he saw Yang and Ruby standing there looking to him the smuggest smiles on their faces. Jaune leaped in fear grabbing Weiss by the legs to scared to notice how soft, toned and shapely they were.

"Ah look Renny there's Jaune-Jaune!" Nora, ren and Blake rushed his way the cat faunus on the giant's shoulder.

"H-how? How are you two alive?" Ruby and Yang looked to one another before smirking and turning back.

"Well duh, cause we're monsters too. All of us are rejects or outcast of our kind." Jaune looked to them seeing all but Blake smiling to him despite what he'd done.

"Even after you two saw it, felt it?" Ruby and Yang rose a brow.

"I-I almost killed you." Yang waved her hand.

"No sweat VB, now come on why don't you join us already." Finally, Jaune screamed at them.

"Don't you get it I can't control that power! If I stay by you all I might snap one day and kill you! All I've ever done is hurt and bring misfortune to those around me! You can't even begin to understand what troubles I'll bring you! After all I'm, I'm…"

"Jaune Arc, the prince of Ansel, banished for your power." Jaune looked to Blake shocked.

"How? How did you know that?" Blake rose a finger that glowed lavender's seeing it Weiss sighed.

"Blake what have I said about reading the minds of others." Blake ignored her continuing.

"You also seemed to hold a bond with the Pyrrha Nikos, the goddess of victory who betrayed your kingdom for saving you. you even returned there to save her but all you found was ruins and rubble." Jaune's fist clenched… But Ren rose a brow.

"Ansel, the kingdom that was destroyed by the Branwens?"

"Yeah, Jaune-Jaune, that wasn't your fault."

"Your wrong…" Tears fell.

"The priest of our kingdom said that if I lived I'd bring destruction to our kingdom, and I lived and my kingdom, my family and Pyrrha are now gone… It's my fault, just my existing is a blight. I'm sure if Pyrrha were to see me, she'd despise what a pathetic man I've become." Ruby frowned, she'd met Pyrrha before tons of times actually, she'd even at one point had thought she'd be the fated sin of Pride only for her to reject her offer though.

Pyrrha would never be the kind to think that especially for somebody she believed in. somebody she'd saved and trusted. Before she could speak though Weiss did so first.

"Then why not find out, I am the greatest mage in Remnant according to Nora am I not? Locating one girl and allowing you to meet would be no trouble at all."

"Really!" the excitement and joy in Jaune's eyes was dazzling but no sooner did it begin to shadow by doubt… What if, what if she'd despise him, she'd had every right to… or worse what if, what if she'd died.

"I… I don't think I should meet her, not as I am, I probably should never see her. It'd be better if I'd just die and spare her the trouble of meeting m-" Boots stomped in the ground before hands gripped his shirts collar raising him in the air to meet burning red orbs framed by blazing gold hair.

"Shut up about dying already! At least meet the person who gave up everything for you you coward! If you're so eager to die how about I save you the trouble and end it for you right now scraggily!"

"Yang stop your hurting Jaune-Jaune!"

"Sis stop!" Yang paused looking back to find Ruby staring back at her eyes narrowed, with a click of the tongue Yang let him go to fall on his butt.

"Fine whatever you deal with him now sis." Ruby nodded before turning to Jaune her mind made up as she zipped towards him a huge smile on her face as she helped him up.

"Don't worry about her Jaune."

"Th-thanks…"

"No problem cause we're settling this tomorrow at noon." Despite her smile in her eyes no room for discussion was clear.


Far above Weiss floated in the air as below what could only be described as a sun blossomed below, at it's center a titan given form as that of a man. The surrounding foliage burst into flames while the earth reddened as waves of blistering heat spewed forth. Weiss covered her face from the intense heat a mad grin on her features at the sight before her, the mystery that lied beneath her curious mind that wanted for nothing more then to unravel its secrets.

"Incredible, he did say he peaked at noon, but for this kind of power to exist in a mere mortal… what are you Jaune Arc?" Below Ruby was just as amazed as she had a front row seat of the man himself who stood taller then any giant as his very flesh wisped like golden flames, this power, somehow it was familiar… and terrifying to her true nature as her baser instincts roared for her to run.

"Whoa, so this is your true power huh? Well its certainly something! Well whatever guess this'll just be a bit tougher than I thought huh. don't forget our deal if you win you can do whatever you want but if I win you hafta join the Seven Miraculous sins."

"You truly are a foolish being, I can only pity your ilk, so prone to death, so… fragile…"

How I envy you…

Ruby smiled then smugly.

"Enough talk let's do this."

"Heh, you are quite eager to die…" He acted then and struck faster than the eye could see catching the little rose on his fist before sending it rocketing up. The force so great the air exploded with a sonic boom and the clouds above parted from the unrelenting force. Yet on his fist Ruby clung and her eyes such a beautiful shade of silver shifted to utter crimson.

Faster than any bullet and stronger then the fist of the brother's themselves she shot forth striking the Arc's face and sending the arrogant titan falling his body making the very earth beneath melt as no sooner did a foot enveloped by shadows stomp down on his windpipe with enough force to shatter even the thickest armor. He'd been felled, impossible and yet when he looked up he saw the very person who'd done the impossible, her form familiar yet so different, pale ashen skin covered by black visceral veins. Uncaring crimson eyes regarded him with disdain as if looking to a piece of trash.

"So this is the life Pyrrha saved, how disgraceful…" An image of his savior flashed through his mind then and he made to raise only to feel the weight of her heel against his throat the claws digging in.

"If you move another inch, I'll end your life human."

"Ngh? Wha, what is this? Pain…? Is this pain, how?"

"How? Are you so arrogant you think yourself immune to mortal plights? Isn't it obvious, you feel pain because you're alive…You feel because Pyrrha gave her life to protect yours?"

Pyrrha…

"You wish to die, are you truly so selfish as to think that life is yours alone? Did she not give her belief in you, in her prince, in her king?".

Very well, once you've become a fine king I'll be your knight, you blade.

"You clam yourself out of control yet to this day no innocent has been felled by your 'curse', Weiss has confirmed it, do you not control your own violent nature? If you harnessed that power, and made it your own would you not be a man who could save more lives than any other? One she could've been proud of… But I suppose there is no point in talking any further. Not to a dead man, an Arrogant man…" Tears fell down his cheeks while crimson his mouth, despite his pain, his loss and shame there was something else, something he'd lost so long ago when he'd been forced away from Pyrrha… hope.

"Can, can I truly…" A plead so much stronger then any other was in the Arc's eyes.

"Can I truly control this power… and make her sacrifice matter?" for the first time since assuming her assault mode Ruby smiled and that was all the answer he needed.

"I, I want to live… I yield." No sooner did the darkness retreat and the Rose was left smiling down at him.

"Great! Your one of us now!" Jaune smiled before looking to Weiss.

"Miss Schnee, please I beg you, won't you let me… won't you let me speak to her? No matter the method or cost… I-I beg you…" Weiss nodded.

"Oh man he passed out!" Weiss smirked.

"I did that, he could use some rest and besides it'd be easier this way?" Her hands glowed white then.


Azure eyes opened to a beautiful world of diamond and clear white skies, it was beautiful…

"Ruby, miss Schnee!?" He couldn't help but look around enraptured by the beauty.

"For there to be someplace truly so beautiful in Vale, in Remnant." So focused on the beauty of the plains between the living and the departed was that he never noticed her behind him.

"It's been a while hasn't it my prince?" Jaunes froze as his heart stopped.

"Th-that voice… could it really be you… Pyrrha?" She smiled even turned away from her he could tell.

"Why not turn around and see for yourself?" He shook wanting to more then anything, yet no matter how much he tried his body refused him to scared that this was just a beautiful dream he'd wake from if he did.

"I-I can't." tears fell to the floor as he shook shamed by his cowardice, shame and guilt.

"I can't bare to show this shameful self to you, to dishonor your sacrifice…"

No… I didn't come this far for this. You eb a coward to the bitter end.

Gathering all the strength he could he turned smiling gratefully, truly grateful to her, his hero, his goal and dream, but most importantly the one who believed in him when nobody else did and he spoek the words he'd yearned to all those lonely years of his life.

"Thank you Pyrrha. For protecting me all those years ago. I'm going to live this life you saved to the fullest, I promise." She stood before him, her visage breathtaking, her hair always tied into a ponytail now loose and flowing down like a waterfall of rubies. Her body no longer armored as she'd always been but in a regal dress just as crimson as her hair. Her face smiling towards him that same smile that had saved him from him all those years ago.

"No matter what tragedies befall me or how lonely or scared I am, I will live without shame for the life you've given me." She stepped towards him raising her hand once more upon his head rubbing it as she had so long ago her smile wider then ever thankful to hear those words from her darling little prince.

"I've never once been ashamed of you, nor regretted my choices my Prince… And have you forgotten, you are no longer alone aren't you?" He smiled recalling them, the Sins.

"Yeah,"

"Pyrrha you haven't changed a bit… your as beautiful as ever." She laughed and nodded.

"Yes, but that doesn't mean I haven't changed, I've watched you all this time after all, and I'm so proud." Jaune blushed like he had so long ago before he paused and looked to her excited.

"Oh yeah, Pyrrha I have a poem for you, I've worked on it for all these years to make it just right. Won't you hear it?" She nodded and he breathed deeply readying himself.

Though this life has been filled with struggle and myself without hope
You appeared and brightened the dark lighting my soul with your own
Your heart as beautiful as the sun and more precious than any gem
and your form no less sublime
my friend, my teacher my goal and dream
and even apart my reason to believe
though our lives are fleeting and our time short-lived
I will never forget the one who taught me to believe…

"So what do you think?"

"Its lovely Jaune… though your kingdom is gone and people erased to history, know that you will always be my only king… my only regret is that I could not be your knight. But I will always be your blade."

Her hand lowered to his chest just over his heart.

"Merely call and I will come to you my king, Jaune Arc."


Ruby carried Jaune over her back Weiss looking down to the small girl.

"I could always just make him float, why must you be so stubborn Ruby." Said girl smiled up at him.

"Its fine Weiss, I don't mind carrying him back." The mage rolled her eyes.

"Fine suit yourself."

In the distant lands, of the ruined kingdom of Ansela blade glowed, it had been guarded from the Branwen's by the goddess of victory herself. The blade of the royal line, of the Arcs, she rested there beside it her last act one of love and faith. Her will imprinted on the blade, his blade… Crocea Mors glowed black and soared into the air towards its wielder.

"Whoa! What the heck!?" Ruby jumped back and Weiss herself looked surprised to see a blade stabbed before Ruby its hilt directed up towards the knocked out Arc. It was his blade, the one she'd only ever envision him wielding. Ruby smiled at the cool sword.

"That's awesome! I guess Jaunes come with his own sacred treasure." Ruby reached for the blade only for Weiss to take it levitating it above to examine it. Before looking to Jaune and growing even more curious.

"It would seem this blade is drawn to Arc, interesting."

"Well just ask him about it when he wakes up." Weiss nodded and when he woke Jaune would cry tears of joy and reforge the blade in the fires of Sunshine birthing a blade only he could ever wield, for she was his blade, and his alone.

Pyrrha… On this day I swear, that with this life you've given me I will live proudly, and if the day shall ever come, like you I will give this life to protect those I cherish…