A day may come with this story takes less than a month to update, BUT IT IS NOT THIS DAY!

Seriously though I am so sorry this keeps taking so long. Life is just currently plotting against me putting out chapters of this story.

As an apology for the last chapter of this story taking so long to come out I decided to go ahead and work on this chapter instead of the next chapter of "Blood and Fangs." That being said "Blood and Fangs will also recieve two chapters in a row, then I'll return to my normal schedule of updating one after another. I'm going to try and get those two chapters out as quickly as possible without compromising the quality of them.

I'm glad to see people were happy to see this story get updated. We surpassed two hundred favorites with the last chapter, and are closing in on surpassing three hundred follows. Maybe we can get over three hundred with this chapter? (hint hint.)

With all that out of the way, ON WITH THE STORY!


"What do you think they're talking about?" asked Nora for the fifth time in just as many minutes.

"I dunno," replied Yang, "I mean, what could team Cardinal possibly have to say to Jaune that would take them," she checked her scroll, "over thirty minutes? I mean it's not like they were exactly nice to him, but if they're trying to apologize they must be laying it on really thick."

"Whatever it is we just have to be patient," advised Pyrrha, "Jaune asked us to wait until they're done, and we will." It seemed that the champion was trying to stick to her decision to trust her partner, but even Weiss could tell that she wanted nothing more than to kick in the door to his room. If the heiress was being honest with herself she felt the same way.

"I think it may be something to do with this Knight-Lord business," said Ren. "He's only ever like this when it's something involving matters of the Order."

"But what would Team Cardinal have to do with any of that?" asked Blake, whose ears twitched in aggravation behind her bow. It was no secret that she disliked the all male team more than anyone else in either of their teams, which was understandable considering her being a Faunus.

"Maybe they're trying to be friends with Jaune now that he's famous?" suggested Ruby.

Weiss shook her head. "If it was anyone else I would agree, but team Cardinal is nothing if not obstinate. It would take a more than fame to change how they view Jaune. A lot more." It was a subject she knew all too well. Many people had tried to grow close to her due only to her family. There had been a few people however who had stubbornly refused to get along with her for the same reasons. Those people, as aggravating as they had been, at least had her respect. They weren't willing to play the sycophant for a chance at improving their lot in life. Team CRDL was much the same way.

"People can change," Ren pointed out. "It's entirely possible that this is an attempt by team Cardinal... to... Weiss, do you know that woman?"

The heiress turned to follow Ren's gaze. A woman was striding towards them quickly, or rather, towards her. "Winter? Winter!"

Weiss rushed to her sister, who picked up her own pace until she was all but running down the hallway. The two sisters embraced each other tightly before the elder broke it off and grabbed Weiss's chin, tilting her head side to side. "Are you alright? I heard about the attack and that you were injured. Where were you hurt?"

Weiss smiled and pulled her chin free of her sister's grasp. "I'm fine. My injuries were minor and have already healed."

Winter smiled and sighed with relief. "That's good."

THWACK!

Winter's hand smacked Weiss upside the head. "Foolish girl!" she shouted, "why didn't you tell me you were fine?! Why did you make me worry about you on the whole journey over here?! You should have called me as soon as possible!"

Weiss withered under her sister's words. "I-I'm sorry," she said as she stared at the ground, her arms clasped behind her back. "My scroll was destroyed during the battle, but I should have found some way to let you know I was alright."

Winter sighed and hugged her little sister again. Weiss smiled and wrapped her own arms around her elder sister's back. She was the closest thing to a real mother the young heiress had ever had. She wouldn't trade that for anything.

"I saw the battle live on my ship as I flew back from an assignment in Mistral," her sister murmured. "When that... thing grabbed you I was terrified I was going to lose you. I owe this Jaune Arc boy a great deal for saving you, and killing it. I assume he's your boyfriend?"

Weiss leapt back out of her sister's arms. "N-no! He and I are friends! just friends." She could feel her face turning crimson. Her lips felt warm, as though they were remembering what his felt against them.

Winter smirked as though she was in on some big secret, which she wasn't because there was no secret to be in on. "Of course you are," she said in such a way that suggested she didn't believe they were just friends for even a moment. "Well regardless, I owe him my thanks. Which room is his?"

Weiss pointed down the hall at Jaune's room. "He's talking with some... other people at the moment. Until they're done, perhaps you would like to meet my team?"

Winter looked at the others down the hall. "I assume the short one, blonde one, and black haired one are your teammates?" Weiss nodded her confirmation. "Very well," Winter agreed, "but I should warn you I wasn't the only one to come and see you."

The heiress groaned and closed her eyes. "Please tell me you don't mean-"

"Weiss!"

She sighed in resignation and opened her eyes as a man in a white suit with hair of the same color walked down the hall towards her.

"Hello, father."

She had hoped that he would remain in Atlas, but deep down she'd known he would come to check on his precious heiress. That she was also his daughter might have factored in at some point along the road.

"Are you alright?" he asked, the put on concern in his voice making her sick to her stomach. He could tell that she was perfectly fine just by looking at her, but he had to put on the appearance of being worried since he was in public. "I heard about that terrible monster attacking you and I had to come make sure my princess was okay!"

"After making sure the breach didn't interrupt the trade flow of dust I'm sure."

"I'm fine, as you can clearly see," she said flatly.

"Of course of course," he smiled at her in a way that to anyone else would have seemed like relief that his child was okay, and it was relief, but Weiss knew her father well enough to know that it was only because the precious little heir to the family business was unharmed. Even if something had happened to her there was no doubt in Weiss's mind that Jacques would waste no time in transferring the title of heir to her spoiled little brother Whitley.

"I saw the recordings of the battle that took place," he laughed, "I mean, who hasn't after all? I would like to extend my gratitude to the young man who saved your life on behalf of the Schnee family. Where would this young Jaune Arc be?"

"He's busy," she snapped, her composure cracking at the mention of Jaune's name. She wouldn't let her father sink his talons into him too. "We're all currently waiting for him to wrap up some important business with his mentor and a few others. I expect he may be busy for some time." She crossed her arms. "I know you're such a busy man. I would hate to keep you from your work. You should probably just head back to Atlas to oversee the company."

Before he could respond the door to Jaune's room burst open. Nathaniel and team CRDL strode out.

"I'll talk with Ozpin and get the supplies and transportation we'll need for our journey. The four of you return to your dorm and grab anything you need, and be sure you take care of that task Jaune set for you. You'll have two hours. After that you are to meet me at the Bullhead pads. Understood?"

"Yes sir," the four boys muttered. They seemed unusually subdued.

"Nathaniel?" Glynda hurried after the knight and placed her hand on his shoulder. "What's going on?"

He turned and smiled as the two walked away, CRDL behind them. "I'll explain in detail when we get to Beacon, but the these four and I are going on a journey."

As they walked away Weiss turned to the others in confusion, but they just shrugged.

"Excellent," crowed Jacques, "it seems Mr. Arc is no longer occupied." He strode into the room as Weiss and Winter shared a look, then followed him in with the others.


"Uh... can I help you?" Jaune asked as a strange man in a white suite walked into his room like he owned the place.

The man smiled and held out his hand as his friends (and some woman with white hair like Weiss) filtered in after him. "Mr. Arc," the man said, "it's a pleasure to finally make your acquaintance. I'm sure you already know who I am."

Jaune blinked, looked him up and down, then shrugged. "Can't say I do. Now if you just wanted to say hello could please leave? I've only just woken up and would like to talk to my friends."

The weird man in white blanched as everyone else stared at him in astonishment. "J-Jaune," Pyrrha said, "this is... this is Jacques Schnee. Head of the SDC and Weiss's dad."

Confusion was replaced with realization, and then anger. "This is the man responsible for throwing so many men at Weiss?"

Oh they were going to get along wonderfully.

Jaune plastered on a smile and pushed himself into a sitting position. "Mr. Schnee, what a pleasure. I apologize for not recognizing you." This was going to hurt, and was probably a bad idea, but something about lying in a bed and showing weakness before a man like Jacques gnawed at Jaune in a way that couldn't be ignored.

"Jaune, what are you... Jaune sit down!" Pyrrha, Ruby, and Weiss rushed over as he turned and placed his feet on the floor, then pushed himself to his feet. He grunted in pain and clutched his stomach, gripping the heart monitor and leaning against it.

"I'm fine," he growled as he waved off the three girls. He hoped the flower print hospital gown didn't make him look like as much of a fool as he thought it did. His teeth gritted in pain, he took Mr. Schnee's still outstretched hand. "Jaune Arc, pleasure to meet you." With more than a bit of malicious intent the Champion clamped down on Jacques's hand with enough force to feel the bones within shift. The head of the SDC yelped and tried to wrench his hand free, but Jaune held on for a couple more seconds than was perhaps necessary before releasing the man with a laugh. "Sorry! I guess I've still got more of my strength left in me than I thought." "That... was satisfying."

Jacques rubbed his hand. "Think nothing of it," he said, grimacing in pain as Jaune allowed himself to be guided back into bed by Pyrrha, Weiss, and Ruby. "When I heard about the attack on Vale and how my precious daughter was targeted by that monstrous Grimm I immediately made my way to Vale, but I also came to give my thanks to you for protecting her. Rest assured your medicals bills will be paid for out of my own personal funds. Consider it my way of returning the favor." The CEO smiled a way that Jaune was sure was meant to be friendly and warm, but reminded him of a Beowulf. "I would also like to extend a formal invitation for you to join myself, my son, and my daughters for some fine dining after you've recovered."

Jaune smiled. "That sounds excellent. We'll be there."

Jacques blinked. "Ah... we?"

The Champion nodded enthusiastically. "Well my team and Weiss's too of course. My team is pretty much the sole reason I'm still at Beacon, and it's only natural that you would want to meet your daughter's teammates. After all, what good father wouldn't?"

Jaune had backed the older man into a corner now, and he could tell Jacques knew it. The head of the SDC laughed nervously. "Well I... I see no reason why they can't come too."

"Oh!" Jaune slammed his fist into his palm as though he'd just remembered something. "And my mentor Nathaniel, along with the boys of team Cardinal."

Weiss's father was actually sweating. "So many people," he chuckled, but his eyes were flying around the room as though he was looking for a way out. "Is- is it really necessary for them to come too?"

"Well of course it is," Jaune said with a crocodile smile. "Nathaniel is the one grooming me to take my place as Knight-Lord after all, and team Cardinal just now pledged their loyalty to me, making them the first four new members of my Order. As such I expect them to take places of command in the future. It's only natural that they should accompany me." He raised an eyebrow. "Do you not agree, Mr. Schnee?" There was a challenge in those words, and as Jaune's gaze met the elder's Schnee's he silently dared him to accept that challenge.

Jacques broke eye contact after only a few seconds. "I see no reason why not," he said as he tugged on his collar. "Well, if that is all then I really must be going. Being the head of the wealthiest company on Remnant is nothing if not busy, but profitable." With a nervous chuckle he made a hasty exit out of the room, not even stopping to talk to his daughter.

After he left the members of JNPR, RWBY, and that white haired woman turned to Jaune in shock, their mouths hanging open. The Champion smiled and clapped his hands together. "So! How was your mission in Mountain Glenn girls?"


Cardin and his teammates followed Nathaniel out of the Bullhead. "Remember, you've got two hours to grab anything you need, and to find Velvet."

The boys voiced their assent as the knight walked away. Sky sighed and scratched his head. "Cardin, do we really have to go through with this? What if we just tell them we talked to her?"

"And what if they ask her?" CRDL's leader snapped at him. "No, we've got to do it, no matter what we think about it." He turned to his three teammates, his arms crossed over his chest. Cardin couldn't help but feel a swelling of pride in his chest when he looked at them. They weren't the strongest first year team, not when you had to compare yourself to RWBY and JNPR, both of which consisted of absolute monsters, but they were his team, his boys. He had know them for about as long as he could remember. The four of them were brothers, even if they weren't technically related. "This is our second chance," he said softly to them, "this is our chance to make something more out of ourselves."

This was their chance to make their father proud.

An hour later the boys had packed the essentials and were heading towards the school docks. It was, perhaps unsurprisingly, on route to the landing pads that the four of them came across Velvet. The Faunus girl was in the courtyard with her camera, snapping pictures of other students as they went about their business.

Cardin gulped and glanced back at the others. "Just let me do the talking, okay? The sooner we can get this over with, the better." The three boys nodded their assent and stepped back, allowing their leader to approach her on his own.

He stepped forward until he was just a few feet behind her. He cleared his throat. "Velvet."

The faunus jumped and turned around. Confusion was replaced with fear as she saw who it was.

Cardin couldn't help but feel some guilt at that. He hadn't bothered her or anyone else at the school since Jaune had set him straight at Forever Fall, but to see that she was still afraid of him after so long... what would his father think?

"Look," he said quickly, "I'm just here to talk, okay?" He held his hands up, away from his weapon, as a sign of peace.

She stared at him warily for a moment, then nodded. The other students within hearing of the two turned to listen in on what Cardin had to say.

"My team and I... apologize for the way we've treated you in the past. you won't have to worry about us bothering you, or any faunus, ever again."

The courtyard was completely silent as the other students watched and waited for Velvet's response.

"I..." she sighed. "I don't believe you. At least, I don't believe you're actually sorry. I think you're being honest when you say you'll leave me alone, but I don't think you truly regret the things you've done to me and the other faunus students in the past."

The ginger winced under her words. They hurt, especially since they were true.

"But... I'm going to forgive you anyway."

Cardin's mouth dropped open, as did the mouths of his teammates. "You... why?"

Velvet smiled sadly at him. "Because three years before I came to Beacon, my mother and I were able to avoid living on the streets and fishing in garbage cans for food thanks to the generosity of the Winchester Foundation."

With that, she turned and walked away. "Goodbye, Cardin."

An hour later team CRDL was sitting at the bullhead docks, their packs beside them, when Nathaniel showed up. His own pack was slung across his back, a brown traveling cloak fastened around his neck. His helmet was tucked under one arm and his halberd was gripped in the others. "I take it you boys have talked to Velvet?"

Cardin nodded. "Yes sir," he mumbled. The mention of his father's old charity had shaken him up. It had shaken all of them up.

If Nathaniel noticed their mood he didn't comment on it. "Good, then assuming the four of you have everything you need in those packs, we're ready to go. Ozpin has secured a Bullhead for us, and thanks to Jaune we know the coordinates of our destination. Let's get moving."

The four pushed themselves to their feet and slung their packs across their backs. After checking to ensure his weapon was securely attached to his belt, the leader of CRDL nodded to Nathaniel. "We're ready to... uh, sir? Is... that lipstick on your cheek?"

Nathaniel yanked his helmet down over his head. "I have no idea what you're talking about," he said hastily, "let's go."

The five of them boarded the bullhead, and it lifted off into the sky. Cardin watched as the city of Vale passed below them. Their flight path took them directly over the courtyard where the battle of the breach had taken place. Even as high up as he was Cardin could still see the hole in the ground, and the massive scorch mark from when Jaune had cooked that Dark Champion thing alive.

The thought of Jaune and the Dark Champion made Cardin think back to the Champions explanation about Salem, Vaya, and the truth of mankind and all other life.

They were a part of something now. Something larger than the four of them, larger and more important than anything that had happened since... ever. He didn't need to ask his teammates to know that they were thinking the same thing. The knowledge that gods existed and were battling for the fate of Remnant was terrifying, but... now that he knew, Cardin wanted to be a part of it. He wouldn't sit on the sidelines and let others fight this battle for him. He would give every molecule of himself to this fight, both to atone for his actions in the past...

and to become the kind of man his parents would have been proud of.


Yet another chapter that took far too long and was far too short. I do apologize for how long this took. As I've said before life seems to be conspiring against my ability to write.

That aside we see more of team CRDL in this chapter. As I'm sure many of you can tell they will become an integral part of this story, and thus will be receiving a good chunk of character development in this next arc, which I'm dubbing the "Secret of the Mountain" arc. We've already gotten some, along with a number of unanswered questions that will be answered in the next chapter, I promise.

Jaune meets Weiss's father for the first time with a frankly impressive display of passive agressiveness and veiled insults. He'd best be careful, or Weiss may begin to suspect something...

Our Champion has also turned Jacques's dinner plan against him, turning it from a private dinner into what is basically going to have to be a full blown banquet. It sure would be hard to manipulate Jaune when he's surrounded by his friends, though I'm sure Jacques would never try such a thing.

If you liked this chapter then feel free to follow and favorite if you haven't already. If you have a friend who likes RWBY or RWBY fanfics then please tell them about this story! If you have any questions, comments, suggestions, or just want to tell me what you think of the story so far, then feel free to leave a review or PM me! I love you all. BYYYYYYEEEEE!

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