Jaune Who? Chapter 4, a rwby fanfic

4. Armor Wars

Vacuo Desert

From an outsiders perspective, it was an Atlas military convoy like any other.

Within the armored humvee in the middle rock music blared. The soldiers were quiet, as a young man, too young to drink by several years, held a short glass of brandy as he looked out to the sandy landscape. Sunglasses adorned his face,

He was just a kid, yet he was their VIP. Imagine a fifteen or sixteen year old in a stylish suit walks out for a Army presentation. Imagine him talking about peace and freedom before a experimental missile obliterates the mountain many miles behind him. The Scion of the weapons industry was young, but he already carried a powerful legacy behind him. He was well aware of the silence, the music helping little. The quick glimpses at him like he'll doom them. Really he thought of everything he could have during this long ride. Anything that wouldn't make his thoughts sour.

As he had the thought of growing a goatee for the fifteenth time in that hour he had enough. He shut off the stereo with a flick of the wrist.

"I feel like you're driving me to court martial This is crazy, what did I do? You guy's aren't going to pull me over and snuff me are you?" He looks over to the soldier in the back with him. "Not allowed to talk?"

"We can talk sir." He doesn't make eye contact. Jaune would be offended, if he wasn't overly aware of the role he had in this world. He still made a noticeable motion of looking out the window as he responded.

"I see, It's personal than."

"No you intimidate them." The driver interjected, eyes glued on the road. Jaune zeroed in the driver's high pitched voice, and didn't miss a beat.

"Good god you're a woman. My apologies the armor really hides your figure. I mean that's what were going for right? Now that you mention it you have really excellent bone structure, I'm kinda... having trouble not looking out you now is that weird?"

The blondes optimism breaks the tension and unease of the soldiers. The rookie breaks into chuckles as the more experienced ones crack smiles.

"Sir I have a question." The sarge riding shotgun turns to face him. Ice cracked.

"It's just Jaune, and yes please."

"Is it true you were engaged to one or both of the Schnee daughters?"

"That is an excellent question. Yes and no, Pops and Mr. Schnee had talks about Me and Winter during their early collaborative years. However Winter went ahead and joined the military so those plans at the times were iced. To answer a possible follow up, yes they are trying to push me and Weiss Schnee but that won't work. I called her 'Snow Angel' and she damn near bit my neck off. Fortunately last years cover models were already in the middle of that."

Laughter roared in the humvee. The rookie riding backseat with Jaune raised his hand in question.

"You're killing me with classroom rules man."

"Is it cool if I take a picture with you?"

"Sure... what's your name?"

"Jimmy Forest, sir."

"Jimmy, never call me sir. I may not work for a living but seriously its just Jaune. Now come here, we gotta get my good side."

Jimmy undid his seatbelt and shuffled over to Jaune. Passing his scroll to the sarge riding shotgun, they got into position. He made a peace sign with his free hand.

"No peace signs.. no I'm kidding throw it up." Yeah peace is great, love peace, more than dad at least.

The picture clicked on the scroll, and Private Forest looked pretty pleased as he got his scroll back. Jaune was satisfied himself, pleased that he gave someone genuine joy, short lived as it was, when the humvee up front went in flames.

"Some call you THE prodigal artist of our time what do you say to that?" Lisa lavender asked.

"That's ridiculous I don't paint."

"What about your other nickname, the 'Merchant of Death?'"

"That's not bad." Jaune thought the opposite really.

Jaune comes into consciousness with a wheezing cough. He was somewhere dark, on a bed. He felt a weight sinking into his chest. Looking down lifted his hands slowly. Something was in his chest, some sort of cylinder. It was poking out of him, as his hands moved to prod it a new voice spoke.

"I would not do that if I were you, that device is an electromagnet. Its keeping the shards from entering your bloodstream." The voice comes from the fire, the only source of light. An older man tends to it.

"Shards?"

"You were attacked, don't you remember? Unfortunately you were caught in the blast radius, 'friendly' fire."

"Where... where are soldiers I was with? There's a private, Jim-"

"Mr. Arc, you are the only one who was wanted. Everyone else was killed in the ambush."

Oh god, he remembered now.

A high calibur round went through the drivers head killing her instantly. Her skull turned to red mist.

"Forest stay with Arc!" It was the sergeant's last command. High calibur rounds began to shred went through the vehicles armor.

"We gotta go!" Forest slipped him out the other side.The two got off the road, hiding behind some rocks for cover. Jaune pulled out his scroll to send a call for help. The whole interface was distorted.

"We're being jammed!" Jaune told Forest. Suddenly a black cylinder half drilled into the sand by them. The logo on the side white, and clear to see.

ARC INDUSTRIES

The lights flickered on it before going solid. The kid, Jimmy, he was trained. He knew what it was going to do. What he had to do. In one second lasting forever, he grabbed Jaune, blocking with his own body, taking the brunt of the explosion. Sent flying from ground zero, Jaune lost his vision the moment his back landed on the ground. Something hot burned through his protective vest, sinking into his chest before everything went dark.

"Who did this?" Jaune asked, tears running freely. He didn't need to know why, dad gave people plenty of reasons why all on his own. Now who, that would put things into perspective.

"I'm glad you are awake Mr. Arc, I see Yinsen managed to save your life after all." A man came out of the dark, and the white mask was all he needed to see. "I am Raza, welcome to our humble abode."

"White Fang, thought your grudge was with Schnee."

"Well you see Mr. Arc, you have a very gifted mind. My associates would appreciate your assistance."

"They want you to make weapons for them." Yinsen made his captors intent clear. Jaune's response was immediate.

"No."

Raza smiled grimly. "Oh Mr. Arc, we'll see about that. Allow my associates and I to educate you." He snapped his fingers and two grunts grabbed Jaune by the arms."My teacher was a wise man. Let me teach you his first lesson." He was dragged into a room with blades, batteries, and buckets of water.

"Heroes: There is no such thing."

One week later

"That does not look like a weapon." Yinsen stated. Jaune looked over as he dipped smoking hot metal into cooling water.

"No, its an advancement of your electromagnetic pacemaker design. I'll need your assistance, steady hands and all."

"Of course, why does it resemble your fathers Arc Reactor?"

"Because it is, just smaller. Something to help free my aura."

Yinsen thought the first sentence was ludicrous. The second, unfathomable. But he was a man of science, his curiosity peaked.

"What could it generate?"

"If my math is right, and it always is, three gigajoules per second."

"That could run your heart for 50 lifetimes."

"Yeah, or something big for 15 minutes." He watched the molten hot metal slowly cool under the water. "A trusted friend told me this old story, about a suit of armor called Excalibur."

Yinsen seemed more enthralled by the second. He spoke in wonder.

"What are you building Arc?"

"I told you Yinsen, it's Jaune. I'm working on something big."

He lifted the cooling piece of hot metal. Setting it down in front of him. The forged helm glared at Yinsen.

Three weeks later

"Arc, let us in now!" The White Fang were struggling to open the reinforced door. They never considered the idea that Jaune would want to stay locked in. Unfortunately their cell was led by pride and not intelligence. They did leave Jaune and Yinsen welding tools.

40%

Jaune was currently in a body shaped coffin of metal and wires. Yinsen had all eyes on his work. Jaune actually did it, he took the ARC Reactor his father was famous for, and made it 'smaller'.

55%

Today however was Judgement Day. The reactor had multiple purposes, the primary one replacing Yinsen's pacemaker. Now they had to try powering Jaune's project, it was their only chance.

75%

"Okay Mr. Arc. The reactor is linking up with the circuits around your arms and legs. Aura should generate, and you will be good to go."

"Yinsen, what are you-"

"I'm buying you time to power up." He presses the big red button(Jaune insisted) and armor plates lock around his body, encasing him. Yinsen cut the light as he ran out, rifle in hand. Jaune can hear the door busting open.

85%

The cave lights up in flashes and gunfire echos through the cave. Then its quiet, the grunts move carefully through the cave. One grunt, Morello, moves deeper in. A dog type faunus, he can smell Arc. As he turns the corner, he is confused. There is only metal-

100%

The other two turn at Morello's sudden scream as he is launched across the cave. His rifle unloaded into the wall as he flew, before the cave wall cracked his head open.

As Morello crumpled into the ground the other pair began spraying into the area blindly, hoping to hit whatever took out Morello. Their clips are empty, and there is a pause. One looks back.

"Think we got him?" a blue light flares suddenly as the two are smacked into the walls of the cave. The third that stayed behind opened fire. The metal beast stomped forward before sending a powerful haymaker into the grunt. The impact killing him instantly. The armored titan rose to full height.

One could almost mistake it for a traditional knight, if not for the additions of modern weaponry and hydraulics systems implemented. He moved over to Yinsen, who's laid against a wall, red staining his chest. Jaune's faceplate flipped up.

"Hold on Yinsen. We are getting out of here." Yinsen shook his head.

"This was always a one way trip Mr. Arc."

"Your family-"

"Is dead, I will see them soon. It's okay Jaune, I want this. Don't waste it.. don't waste your life." He closed his eyes as his breathing ceased, body limp. Jaune, bows his head for the man, before he looks down the tunnel. Rage and focus becoming one, the helmet shifts back into place.

Another two blocked his way as they emptied their magazines into the human tank moving towards them. The armor was tanking the hits, the bullets doing nothing to slow the hydraulics in the machine's march. As he exited the hall he swing his left arm, sending the terrorist into full backflip, the neck snapping from shear force. They locked the door ahead, the last man banging on the door yelling for help.

Several grunts heard the begging on the other side before the screams went quiet. A loud bang went off as the door shuttered. Another hit warped the metal outward, they took a step back. Another followed before the door flew off.

The door slammed into several, killing the lucky ones on impact. Jaune resumed his march cleaning house-or um-cave. He sent a swing into another grunt, his arm getting stuck into the rockwall from the force he swung with. As he pulled at the limb to free it, A grunt moved up with a pistol. He aimed steady at the metal man's head and fired. The bullet bounced off, ricocheting into the man's skull. Jaune paused for a moment, looking to the side in confusion, before finally getting his arm free. He saw the exit, As he moved toward it, Raza was waiting for him.

"Sayanara Tin-man"

Wielding a grenade launcher, he fired a high powered grenade in Jaune's direction. Smoke clouded the area on impact. Raza smirked, believing the battle was won.

Than a metal arm raised up from the smoke. A wrist mounted rocket launched, right into the man's chest. The explosion hid the gore in fire and smoke. leaving barely anything left.

The remaining members of the cell held their positions outside. All guns aimed at the entrance. All that could be heard was a slow heavy walk, complimented by the sound of hydraulics. Than a small circular light from within the darkness of the cave, before a man made of metal walks forward, stopping as he enters sunlight.

"Open fire!" Several dozen assault rifles empty their clips into the man. Within the suit Jaune's gaze rested on the weaponry all around. Guns, missiles, ammo. Some generic, others baring the ARC and SDC logos. As their guns run out, He is still standing, fingers on his own triggers.

"My turn."

Streams of hellfire release from his arms. The terrorist don't have time before they are burning alive. Jaune might have felt pity, but than he remembered the good people that died. They needed to pay.

He marched forward, moving his arms and spreading fire over all of their weaponry. Some were still trying to shoot at him. He simply aimed his arms and let them burn. Finally one had the intelligence to load their 50. cal. Jaune felt those bullets for certain. A lucky shot hits the hydraulics in one of his legs and he is forced to stop, resting on a knee he lets out more streams of fire. Explosives are beginning to set off a chain reaction. As he runs out of fuel, he begins the next phase. Pressing buttons on his arm, His legs ignite.

The terrorist hideout erupts in a almost firework like display. So many rockets firing off sporadically, one probably wouldn't notice the man shaped one flying out of the flame.

Atlas military took note of the explosion and sent scouts to investigate. Control scrambled when a Bullhead reported finding Jaune Arc.

"For those of you just tuning in, Jaune Arc, just returning after his capture, requested an urgent press conference. News outlets from all around are waiting in anticipation. Our own Lisa Lavender is present to ask questions. We are now switching over, Lisa, how does it look down there?"

"Dan, in a word, tense. Many are eagerly awaiting Jaune Arc's arrival. As many of you know he was held captive by a White Fang terrorist cell in Vacuo, before thankfully being rescued. It is being reported that he refused to go to the hospital upon landing, Though he did ask for a Cheeseburger. We still don't have a lot of details, Obadiah Stane is here, and he seems quite optimistic about the Arc Prodigy-" She pauses looking at something off screen."Jaune Arc has just arrived." The camera refocused,Jaune Arc walked in, a cheeseburger partially eaten in hand. He had that charismatic flare he was known for, even with one arm in a sling. Obadiah Stane, an older bald gentleman, and Howard Arc's former partner, was beside Jaune, one arm around the young man. Stane was about to speak into the mic, before looking down. Jaune Arc was sitting on the small stair leading up to the podium.

"Would you guys mind sitting on the floor?"

Everyone sat, waiting in anticipation. Stane went along with it, smiling the whole time. The cameras barely picked up Jaune saying to Stane:

"It's good to see you." Stane is barely able to return the sentiment before he says to him. "I never got to say goodbye to dad."

He turned to address the bigger crowd of reporters. "I never got to say goodbye to my father." He set the cheeseburger aside to genuinely address the reporters."There's questions I would want to ask him. I would ask him what he felt about what ARC as a company did. If he was conflicted, or had doubts...or if he was...every inch the man we remember from a time long past." Arc had an expression of grief, not seen since the passing of his parents.

"I saw young Valeans killed. Killed by the very weapons I designed to protect them. There was this soldier...hero...he...used his body to protect mine. He wasn't much older than me..."He trailed off. A reporter raised his hand. Jaune gave him a nonverbal go ahead.

"What happened out there?" The look Jaune carries is that of newfound determination. He speaks as he gets up.

"My eyes were opened. The truth is I had become a part of a system that operated with zero accountability. Which leads to my important announcement. Effective immediately, I am shutting down the weapons division of Arc Industries."

The conference room was sent into an uproar, as Jaune was escorted away by Obadiah Stane, who was quick to redirect the presses attention to him.

"I think what we should take from this-"

Jacques Schnee was in a meeting with the other executive branch members, when it was reported Jaune Arc was found alive. He had more than a simple interest in the young mans family business. ARC and the SDC had a long running partnership. The current meeting postponed to watch the suddenly announced news conference. Board members watched the SDC CEO with growing anxiety and fear.

Jacque's glass almost shattered from his grip, as he watched Arc's announcement. The weapons division of ARC, gone. His brow twitched violently as his cold composure gave way to cold fury.

"That little bastard."

He needed Stane on the line.

"Sir, are you sure you are ready for flight tests so early in development?"

Jaune had a newly made exoskeleton equiped to his body. Jaune wore a simple black bodysuit under it. Moving his workbench items around, he finally found his scroll under the sword and shield combo.

"Don't worry JARVIS. Just make sure the fire extinguishers are ready. Besides, we're not worried about sustained flight. Just...taking off...yeah."

"Sir, your current experience advises us-"

"JARVIS, sometimes you need to run before you walk. Alright Begin test." Jaune moved into a take off stance. "Take off in three, two, one."

Jaune successfully took off, backwards, his body planted into the upper wall before landing on, and indenting, an expensive Porsche.

"I was wrong...so wrong...walk first" As though to be cheeky, Fire extinguishers activated, when there was no fires to put out. Jaune Groaned.

Nine months later

Beacon Academy

Headmaster's office

It was a late night for Headmaster Ozpin. He had pushed off the final touches on this years entries. There were still some spaces to fill.

As he was internally weighed the risk of having Ghira Belladonna's daughter(and former terrorist) at Beacon. A notification popped up. A new application? past midnight?

Opening it up he met the face of this new applicant. Looking over the details, he seemed very qualified, enough to make a good fake. Ozpin had an eye for little details, even with his new look he spotted Jaune Arc right away. But... Ozpin also watched the news. He saw the change in the young scion's demeanor.

Perhaps he didn't have the combat experience of his peers, yet, but his intelligence and charisma were powerful assets. All he needed to check was intent, but there was only one way for him to do that.

He hit the approval box on the application.

"Welcome to Beacon Mr. Arc, or should I say-"

Two months later

Beacon Airship

en route to Beacon Academy

"Ruby check this footage out, this is two months ago." Yang held the scroll in front of Ruby. The footage Showed White Fang militia raiding a village. Than a red and gold Knight seemed to fly into the scene at high speed. The figure raised his hands, and sent the terrorists flying with some sort of pulse.

"Yang I've seen this before." Several times in fact actually. Ever since this guy showed up, around a year or so, everyone was drawn like a moth to a flame. Videos were constantly being posted of sightings and battles. The guy was basically a free action movie.

Yang was obsessed, based solely on the fact that 90% of video featured him fighting. People were divided however, even White Fang supporters were split. They were even split on what to call him: Iron Mask, Iron Man, Rescue, Metallo... Someone even managed to get "deez nutz" in a poll as a joke. "Iron Knight" seemed to stick the most, given the general shape and styling of the armor. A modern crusader that flies without wings.

"Ruby wait, watch this part...BOOM" The Iron Knight sent an uppercut into a grunt sending him flying upwards out of frame before turning to blast another. "You see that? Sent the guy flying."

"Probably broke his jaw Yang." Actually the guy is dead, But Yang isn't telling Ruby that.

"Wait Ruby, the tank, this IS the best part." The footage showed an atlesian tank, repurposed by White Fang, their emblem crudely painted on the side armor. It fires a round at the red and gold figure. The knight dodges it, before raising an arm, sending what appears to be a small rocket straight down the tanks barrel. He starts walking away as the tank detonates. "See that? Doesn't even look at the explosion, such a badass."

"Yang please, I'm trying to buy rounds for Crescent Rose, these bids are insane."

"Are you seriously trying to buy ARC sniper rounds?"

"Yes! The quality in unmatched and now that they shutdown the weapons division, prices are soaring."

"Well, what about HAMMER?"

"HAMMER? HAMMER!? Don't talk to me about HAMMER." Ruby seemed to be having PTSD from a past product purchase. She was modifying Crescent Rose on a daily basis, with how often she shops for mods, she was bound to run into the occasional dud. HAMMER must be pretty special to earn her ire.

"Well, maybe Jaune Arc will be at Beacon. You can ask him for a 'personal request'." It seemed to pull Ruby out of her 'trauma'. She looked at her sister with doubt.

"Sure Yang, Jaune Arc will be at beacon, so will your 'Iron Knight'." Swooning her words she taunted her sister with kissy faces.

Yang grew red herself, before covering by pulling Ruby into a friendly headlock. Not far away, a young man in a hood smirked behind a blood soaked tissue pressed to his nose. He tried not to laugh at the antics.

It was words she heard all the time. From her first Tournament win, She had her praises sung by others. Everyone Offered adoration, praise, but real friendship was sorely lacking. She wanted things to be different at beacon, but it was clear that she would not escape her fame. If she could go back in time, maybe she could bail on the pumpkin Pete's deal(The cereal wasn't good for you anyways). Maybe then she wouldn't have the SDC corporate princess trying to suck up to her.

"All I am saying, is that we would make a great team together."

"That sounds..." Pyrrha wanted to get out of the conversation with the Schnee Heiress. Little did she know, her saviour was here with a swagger in his step.

"You trying to pitch friendship now Weiss Cream?" A handsome man came into view. For a huntsman, he was very casual. A set of sleek silver armor adorned his chest and shoulders. Dressed otherwise in a hoody and jeans, his black hair was somewhat unkempt. She faintly recognized him. It was Weiss however, that unveiled the secret. She had whipped around to respond to him, the response coming instinctively, Weiss having developed it because of the man.

"How dare you Jaune-ARC?" Jaune who? Wait, Arc. He is-was in weapons development. Pyrrha knew that much. He was famous, but not really around her social circles. He was kidnapped, eventually rescued, after that he went quiet. 'Well, not quiet' she guessed.

"In the flesh. However its Jaune Stark while we are here. We don't need media hounds here, do we?" He looked over to Pyrrha. He held her hand like a gentleman. "Call me Jaune. Short, sweet, rolls off the tongue, Ladies love it."

Pyrrha couldn't help but blush. As an arena champion, Pyrrha was beautiful, but intimidating. Men didn't approach her in that fashion, at least those that didn't just want to use her fame and status. But Jaune was looking at her like a lady.

"Do you even know who you're talking to?"

"A beautiful woman." Pyrrha's face becomes the same color as her hair. Weiss sputters.

"She's a champion. She won The Mistral Regional Tournament four times in a row. She's on pumpkin Pete's cereal!"

"Pyrrha I'm not really into cereal, you like Jazz?"

"Don't ignore me Jaune Arc!" He gave Her a side glance that looked only a tiny bit irritated, and only for the briefest second.

"Ignoring you." 'Though I do need to move you away,' He Addressed Pyrrha. "I gotta be on my way Pyrrha, hope to see you at initiation." He continues his walk, indirectly sparing Pyrrha as Weiss marches after him. Pyrrha remained where she stood, face red, still trying to comprehend the sudden encounter.

She caught up with him in the more isolated area of the locker room. Jaune only knew that because he looked up the layout beforehand. Since the caves, he would never go in blind if he could help it. Knowledge is true power, it was already his greatest weapon. A healthy dose of paranoia doesn't hurt either. Many curious things about beacon, Some layouts don't quite add up. There were-

"Jaune!" Weiss snapped, grabbing his shoulder. She doesn't miss the wince he makes, but she doesn't miss the sword at his hip either. 'Crocea Mors'

She changes her voice to a whisper. "What are you doing here? You have a company to run!" Jaune leaned against a locker and let out a breathe. He figured Weiss would hound him for answers, he had to handle this so she doesn't blow his cover, again. Of course, it was technically his fault, but he couldn't resist. He just knew how to prod her too easily.

"We both know I just have the biggest stick in the room. I have a board for the boring stuff. Potts was already handling it, why not make it more official. Don't really need an assistant."

"Tell me you didn't just sign up for kicks." A part of her actually did hope it was kicks. She didn't know what do if he was serious. He had some defensive training, but nothing huntsman level as far as she knew.

"I think I am making a career change. If I wasn't serious-" His hand rested on the hilt as he paused, indirectly bringing it to attention, as if it was proof, it was.

"You brought Crocea Mors." Weiss had not seen the blade for years, not since it was given to Jaune, the day of his parents funeral. She didn't know him than, but she would never forget the look on his face. The loss of innocence, the sword shaking in his grip. One hand on hilt, the other on sheath, as the caskets are lowered. He had a similar expression now..

"Jaune... are you okay?"

"Of course I am."

"You don't look it, I heard about the incident, at the old ARC facility. We lost Mr. Stane, we almost lost you too." Jaune instinctively rolled his right shoulder again. He could almost feel the burning of electric volts. He gave a pained smile to Weiss.

"Yeah, that night, there was a lot of pain." 'Internal and external. My father trusted him, I trusted him..maybe that was the problem.'

"It only cemented my decision to shut down that side of the company." His words made Weiss suck a breathe in.

"Father was furious with your announcement. Shutting down an entire division..." She paused, Jaune took the chance to interject.

"Everyone was either moved to another division or given pay with glowing recommendations to whatever company they wanted. I take care of my people Weiss."

It didn't solve everything, the media still had a field day with disgruntled ex employees. Thankfully Jaune Arc was not Jaques Schnee. Even his father Howard, at his worst, had a better reputation than Jaques Schnee ever did. He did his best to help them transition. More spoke in Jaune's defense than even he expected.

It was quiet for a moment. Jaune spoke again.

"My designs were being used to kill innocent people. I can't... I can't let that happen again, I won't let it happen."

"You designed them to protect people. It's not your fault that others choose to use them that way, they were stolen!"

"And bought occasionally. I found the receipts." That brought pause, Jaune had actually found evidence? ARC weapons were being sold under the table, for how long? Is that how the Vacuo White Fang militarized so fast?

In spite of his Father's reputation, Howard Stark was not a traitor. If such things had and were occuring in ARC, it made her wonder what could be occuring right under her fathers nose at the SDC. Or worse, her father was directly involved, doing similar things with dust. She couldn't see him selling to White Fang, however, even he wasn't so greedy as to sell them a key to his demise.

"I am responsible for the tools they use. Atlas or not." If Jaune Arc was good at one thing, it was pushing her buttons, till she all but gave up. She damned him and his sincerity, because if there is one thing Jaune Arc is, he's honest. Her frustration buried, there was no changing his mind. She had that much at least when her father found out about Jaune, from someone.

"I know... A lot has happened to you. We may not be the bestest of friends but... with everything going on. People have no idea where you are. And now there is this...Iron Knight."

'Nope, gotta pull that weed out before it grows.'Jaune was quick to try to squash that train of thought. "He is the least of our worries, trust me."

"Rumours are saying he wiped out the Vacuo Branch of White Fang. What if he turns his attention to you? Or any of us for association. Sure, he's after the White Fang now, but if he decided my family had a part..." Her father, Jacques, made the company successful, while ruining her family's image to the common people. They were blamed for igniting the extremist side of the White Fang. People came after her for his actions, for anything involving Schnee.

The Iron Knight's reputation was one of heroism for the people, but he left as soon as he came. No one claimed responsibility or alliances. As such, it was a question to the Iron Knight's intent. Where the man drew his line in the sand, what was his endgame, How far would he go? Jaune wished he could make it clear.

"Jacques Schnee will sooner get a tan. Weiss." He holds her face gently in his hands. "Iron Knight is no one to worry about, believe me."

Maybe one day he will bring Jacques Schnee down for his crimes. He had his part in the White Fangs current form. But hurting his family would solve none of that. Besides, Jaune had to take it one problem at a time. Clean up your own mess before you work on others.

Weiss thought Jaune was quite ballsy touching her face so gently. She can't say she hated the feeling. But she stepped back from him. Her arms crossed, she resisted an urge to smack him. Looking at a wall as her cheeks were a tad red.

"And if he goes after you?" 'Goddammit'

"Weiss, I am not going anywhere. Hell, same team or not, I'll make it a point to irritate you." he makes the joke, than he adds: "I won't leave you. I'm in your corner, alive or dead."

She fights a smile, but just barely. Than it turns to a frown.

"Jaune, years ago... I never meant to leave without saying-"

"Jacques made you leave, he's been trying to groom you for years, in case Whitley didn't hold up to task, and visa versa. You don't have to apologise for anything."

Its quiet, the tension lingering. Finally Weiss speaks.

"Alright Jaune, I'll keep quiet about you. Just... watch yourself out there okay?" It would happen eventually, someone had to piece it together. They would find him, and Jaune certainly wouldn't hide. Less he plans to pull the wool over their eyes for four years. he would try, but if the gods exist, they live to see mortal plans crumble.

Jaune softly smiles at her.

"You know I will." He makes his way to the exit. He turns back to her with a wink. "Snow Angel."

Taking off before she could assault him, Jaune ran like a free man. He loved the face she made when she was mad, how could he resist. Besides She never got to ask him 'how' he escaped. That was staying his secret, for now.

You would figure that after several dozen flights that Jaune would have his own landing strategy. He couldn't help but feel like Ozpin didn't tell him on purpose.

He could have brought some thruster units, but people were smart. Someone would make the link eventually between him and the armored 'vigilante'. Honestly, he thought bringing a parachute was ridiculous. Well now the parachute was the one laughing.

Thankfully, instead of hoping for the best, fate intervened. Fate was apparently a bronze spear, coming out of no where at high velocity. Thankfully it just ruined his hoody as he was pinned to a tree. How do you explain getting skewered on the first day to the lawyers?

Pyrrha came from the Bushes. Jaune hailed her in greeting.

"Hey there, I would give you your spear back but its in pretty deep. Mind giving me a hand?" Using her semblance, she pulled the Spear straight out. Jaune landed in a 'superhero' like pose. "Thanks, so partners?"

"Jaune Stark, Pyrrha Nikos, Ruby Rose, Weiss Schnee. You collected the knight pieces. Henceforth, you are team JSPR (Jasper) led by Jaune Stark."

Shit, Jaune didn't mean to be made leader. This complicates thing slightly. Oh well, no ones made the link yet. Jaune was a common sounding name, like Steve or Tony.

He honestly didn't think the hair dye and haircut combo would make such a difference. Of course, his father's blonde hair, and by extension his was iconic in the celebrity world. So much that no one would actually think he would tarnish it with hair dye. It all worked in his favor. Honestly, he was thinking about that goatee more and more...give it a couple years.

"Well team, we ready to head out?"

"Ready when you are Jaune." Pyrrha said. Ruby nodded with a smile on her face. Weiss nodded with a sour look on her face.

"I can't believe they made you leader."

"You know Weiss, I get what you mean. I still can't believe its not butter." The rebuttal sent her temperature high before suddenly extinguishing it. She was tired of today, she didn't have the strength to fight anymore. The Nevermore experience was enough to give her a heart attack.

As they began the walk to their new dorm, Ruby asked Jaune a question.

"Your last name is Stark?" She asked.

"Yep, like the bird."

"I think it's cool. My mom and dad's team was named Stark."

"That... is a pretty cool coincidence actually. We will make them proud yeah?" Ruby seemed to not recognize Jaune, as an Arc. He considered telling her since other two knew anyway. There was also her sister, no way to know how quiet they can keep. He's keeping this solo for now anyway.

"Yeah!"

They got to their new dorms. While Jaune has never lived with other people in such close proximity, he was excited to have roommates.

"We should make bunk beds!" Ruby Seemed to share the enthusiasm.

"That's for the team leader to decide you dolt." 'I can't believe I am already coming to his defense...Ugh.' Said man took his armor and hoody off, a black short sleeve hugging muscles toned from traditional metal forging. He ruffled the top of Ruby's head.

"That is an excellent idea. We will work on it tomorrow, however. No need to rush into a hazard. First things first, lets get to know each other a little better." Jaune struck a thinking pose. "Let's start simple, what is your favorite color, I am quite fond of red and gold myself."

"Red!" Ruby exclaimed.

"I love the enthusiasm, Weiss?" She glared at him. "Weiss Cr-"

"Blue." She replied quickly.

"Pyrrha?"

"Yellow."

The little game continued for a couple more minutes. While amusing, and wishing to do more, Jaune noticed how tired everyone was getting, however, and decided to wrap up.

"One more question for all of you: Why do you want to be Huntsman?"

Ruby answered first.

"My parents are Huntsman, I wanna help people like my mom and dad did." Simple, but a good enough.

Weiss was paused, as she seemed to gauge how to word it.

"I want to carve my own path, independent of my family name." Jaune gave a nod at that

Pyrrha was next, this one did make Jaune curious, she apparently was making a pretty buck each tournament she won. Why switch gears?

"I didn't care for tournaments anymore. I just want to do something more useful for the world."

"What about you Jaune?" Ruby asked it innocently, as it was the first time Jaune didn't go first. He made no move to speak, than he let out a breath. He sat in his new bed, resting his arms on his knees, he began.

"I come from a line of heroes, generally speaking. However I am the first one in a while to pick up the sword. I learned some things about the life I was leading, so I decided to forge a new path. This life we have chosen, we could die in one year or in ten, but our role is crucial to mankind's survival. I want to do good in this world, with whatever time I left."

It was a lot more than they expected, and a lot more personal, considering two of them he just met today.

"I want to make a promise, tonight." All attention on him, he continued. "We may have only just met, but I want to help you achieve your goals too. So, Let's trust each other, Don't be afraid to share your burdens, especially with me. We are a team, and we will be united." Ruby stood atop her bed.

"Get ready world! We are Team Jasper!" Jaune and Pyrrha laughed, Weiss was fighting her smile.

"Now, lets settle into bed. Ladies get first dibs on the bathroom."

Once the girls were done, Jaune went in. Once within the confines of the bathroom, he pulled off his Shirt, Revealing a uniquely crafted tank top. The fibers are created to dampen the light signature from his chest. In short, it kept them from noticing the Arc reactor in his chest. Undressing he entered the shower. His body feels relief as droplets run down the chest. He lets out gasps of relief, as built up anxiety was washed away. Tapping the hidden.

"Jarvis, load up my team's personal files."

"Done sir, who would you like to begin with?" Jaune had no intention of figuring out their entire life story, but he needed to know how much he could trust them. He already knew Weiss, so that could wait.

"Ruby Rose."

"Ruby Rose, age 15, attended Signal. She was accepted into Beacon two years early, signed off by Headmaster Ozpin.

"Her father, Taiyang Xiao Long, is a teacher at Signal Academy. Her mother, Summer Rose, is missing, presumed dead."

"I see, anything that contradicts her answers?"

"No sir."

"Very well, tell me about Pyrrha Nikos..."

When Jaune stepped out of the shower he wiped the fog from the mirror. His eyes rested on the scarring on his right shoulder. His body had a handful of scars now, all around his body. Some were from the White Fang's re-education, others from him educating them in return. Yet the scarring on his shoulder felt a bit more personal. Considering Electric burns, he was lucky the area was only kinda rough, hard to tell, some may even say his scars were sexy. Jaune never worried about his vanity, too overcome by the memories they represent. Each one was relatively new to his life, and each one told a story.

Moving his gaze to his center, he eyed the dark grid like pattern creeping from the Arc reactor. Grabbing his device, he ran another test for toxicity.

As he checked the number red drops landed on his hand. Looking up he noticed blood dripping from his nose. He wiped it off quick, before grabbing tablets to swallow. Once he was sure it was clean, he shut the light off, heading to bed.

Jaune Arc had graduated from traditional schooling when he should have been playing ball by the schoolyard. Despite that, doing school over again wasn't so bad. Nobody knew Jaune Arc was around, he was just one of them. Some jokes aside he didn't go out of his way to be a dick.

"Mr. Winchester, perhaps you could answer the question." Now, he had a reason.

"Well, I know its a lot easier to train an animal than a soldier." Cardin Winchester, Big family name, a company built on combat rifles and and ammo shells from before the great war. Not on the level of Schnee, but in that range. His father is currently CEO. Jaune met the man once or twice, a more delightful fellow than his son is, that is for certain.

Oobleck Shook his head in disappointment.

"You're not the most open-minded of individuals, are you Cardin?"

"What, you got a problem?"

"No, I have the answer. It's night vision. Many Faunus are known to have nearly perfect sight in the dark."

"Correct Miss Nikos." Prof. Oobleck said.

"They probably needed it to make up for being weak otherwise.

"Wrong." Jaune sang. "Wrong wrong, absolutely wrong."

"Got something to say Stork?"

"It's Stark my oak-headed weenie-bird. And yes I do." He looked over. "May I sir?" Oobleck gave him the go ahead, and Jaune unleashed his volley.

"Faunus traits, exempting few in certain situations, only enhance the potential of said individual. Speed, strength, heightened senses. All these give them more edge, and are only the most basic. Like Pyrrha said sir, the faunus had night vision, though it was far from their only strength." He looked at Cardin directly, a shit eating smile on his face. "Lagune, the idiot, attacked at night. He thought he could ambush them. It was a humiliating defeat. He underestimated his enemy. Like you most likely will, I hope its a Rabbit."

"And what are you, a closet fuzzy?"

"Genius, billionaire, sometimes playboy, philanthropist." He took the moment to look at Pyrrha. "I prefer redheads."

The Professer brought his judgment down swiftly and flatly.

"Very funny Mr. Stark, and correct answer. I would like to see you, Mr. Winchester, after class." Prof. Oobleck said.

Cardin mouthed the words "Combat Class" at Jaune. Soon enough Class was over. Pyrrha giggled as Jaune took his time to leave as sassy as possible. Cardin glared hard at Jaune's retreating form. He met his team outside the class, discussing evening plans.

"You shouldn't antagonize him Jaune, " Weiss made her case. She had enough subtly to not bring up Jaune's current level. Grimm were one thing, your fellow Huntsman is another, and he hasn't trained for nearly as long as she has. Even with Jaune's dedication, she wasn't sure how well he'd fair against Cardin.

"Trust me, I know how guys like him work." 'If anything dad taught me was useful, it was maneuvering around these types. Definitely a "Prideful" type, enough to make poor choices for everyone involved, with the money his family has' "Now, are you and Ruby heading out for your date?" Weiss Gave a squawk.

"Y-you p-pervy idiot! It's partner bonding. You said so yourself!" She hissed at Jaune.

"Oh Weiss! We gotta get going too, the gun shops will close soon! Quick! To our room!" And just like that Ruby grabbed Weiss by the arm, zooming off before she could say or squawk another word. Her Semblance leaving rose petal outlines of the two.

'Ruby is worming her way to Weiss's heart as we breathe' The team leader couldn't help but think.

"Are we still training?" Jaune gave Pyrrha a megawatt smile, his Arc charm on full blast. She never stood a chance against his onslaught.

"Of course." Pyrrha looked away slightly, her face partially hidden by locks of hair.

'I'm so lucky to get a partner like him'

She didn't notice the way Jaune looked at her. His eyes filled with a love, from a heavy heart.

'I'm so lucky to get a partner like her.'

Weiss was not sure how this turned into a group hangout with Ruby and her sisters team. Hell, she should be questioning just when the hell she and crater-face became... friends.

After the first few days of the school year, Jaune decided that the Team needed to start dedicated training sessions. More specifically, he required both halves of the team to work with their respective partners. The idea being to improve one another's skill, while bonding. The man decided that Weiss and Ruby Should become study buddies.

What began begrudgingly under team leader orders(he made them pinky swear) changed When Ruby told her she didn't know a thing about dust. Weiss decided if she was going to have to help her, she would teach her about it from the ground up. Weiss had shocked Ruby with her dedication. Ruby shocked Weiss even more by paying attention, asking honest questions. Weiss returned her effort with patience and careful explanation.

Study sessions became more casual, and the forced material branched out to side topics, once enough study had been achieved, of course. Ruby asked about Her weapons Dust chambers, and the conversations took a direction in gunsmithing.

Before she knew it their relationship had shifted entirely. It was as though Weiss had blinked, and suddenly they were looking over Crescent Rose blueprints, calibrating the rifle for dust ammunition.

Jaune had suggested they find dust rounds for Ruby's rifles in town, calling it 'team-bonding exercises. Weiss did not recall inviting Yang Xiao Long. Ruby apparently did, and the girl brought her team. She guessed they weren't so bad as a whole. Two quiet members made up for the two loud ones...almost.

"So how is Jaune? as a leader I mean." Yang asked as the group toured downtown Vale.

"He is nice/He's an ass." The pair replied. They blinked at each other, but didn't try to correct one another for their opinions.

"He's a dolt. But a well meaning dolt." Weiss said, 'Though to his credit, Ruby has improved significantly in academics. He at least plays the part of leader.'

"That all? He is pretty cute" Weiss's twitched at the blonde.

"Don't say that to him! He is absolutely full of himself, he's had that ego since-"'Since we were kids, always the brightest in the room.' "-we met. He made it mandatory for Ruby and I to stay paired while he goes off with Pyrrha Nikos!"

She felt a hand brush against her arm, it was hesitant, but it got Weiss's attention.

"Weiss, You don't mind being study buddies, right?" Ruby spoke a tad quieter than usual, her tone sounding cautious, feeble even. Her eyes didn't meet Weiss's and the snow-haired huntress felt herself flush. Not only with embarrassment, but also shame for how that must have sounded to Ruby. As the other loud one in the background exclaimed "Ren! we should become study buddies!" "We already are Nora, you don't study." She nudged the red hooded girls shoulder with her own, grabbing her attention.

"Of course not, w-we are partners aren't we?" 'To be honest, you're not bad company either. Maybe I was harsh.'

It worked however, as Ruby's cheery expression returned before she jumped her partner in a surprise hug. To her own surprise, Weiss returned it briefly.

"Ruby settle! we need to be aware while we are in the dust shop." Pulling out her scroll, she checked her maps. "We should be there... Now?"

"Whoa." The dust shop was blocked off by caution tapes, the windows were shattered. Ruby walked over to the nearest officer. "What happened here?"

"Robbery. Second dust shop to be hit this week. This place is turning into a jungle." The man walked over to his partner.

"That's terrible." Yang said.

"They left all the money again." The officer said to his partner. That grabbed Ruby, Weiss, and Blake's attention, which then grabbed the others.

"It doesn't make sense, who needs that much dust?"

"I don't know, an army?" Weiss flashed back to her talk with Jaune in the lockers. They had stolen his weapons, used them in Vacuo. Now she feared the same was to occur with dust, should this be true. The police seemed unaware of how much they were being listened in on.

"You thinking The White Fang?"

"Maybe, but if you're trying to get an army like the Vacuo cell had, you would think they would take the cash too."

'It wouldn't shock me, Degenerates!' Weiss felt her anger rise.

"Why would they leave the money?" Ruby and Nora thought out loud, at the same time.

"They are probably going to use it to hurt innocent people, like the savages they are." Weiss said it like a hard won fact. In her case, it was from experience, of attending funerals and father's rampages in his study.

"It's not even proven that it's the White Fang." Blake was adamantly playing devils advocate. She began to walk away from the group, lost in thought. Weiss was going to call both to come back, but noticed Ruby speaking with some girl. She chose instead to see who this person was.

"Blake wait up!" Yang grabbed her partner's arm. A "Salutations!" could be heard in the distance as She turned Blake toward her. "Where are you going?"

"This can't be the White Fang Yang. Weiss is wrong, it doesn't fit."

"You are gonna let Weiss Creams comments bother you?" Blake tried to move forward again. Moving in front of Blake, Yang spread her palms wide

"Alright alright, what do you wanna do about it, partner?"

Two days later

Sunday night

Jaune Groaned as Pyrrha sent him to the floor again. Five times that night he went down, but Jaune got up everytime, and that just amazed Pyrrha. She wasn't exactly being gentle either.

Ruby and Weiss had been out with Yang for a majority of the weekend. This gave Jaune and Pyrrha time to train more extensively, with reasonable breaks of course.

She was surprised when he approached her asking to train him near three weeks ago. She figured that people would feel too intimidated to go up against her. Instead he insisted, saying

"I know you'll kick my ass, how else am I gonna get better? Come on Spartan."

He was so upfront about it. He told her he was behind and wanted to earn his keep. And so several days during the week they would spar. Unarmed CQC followed by weapon training on the roof.

Jaune approached her training different to the school days, where he had enough intellect to handle most subjects on his own. He listened to her advice for any and all flaws. He wasn't nearly as behind as he thought, and if he was his improvement was at an amazing rate. The warrior blood was in him, but he had the mind of a scholar as well. Perfect dual qualities for a leader, which he quickly showed.

He only had one demand from her, never let him win. Not even to try to motivate him. He found the idea insulting, for her and him. He needs to earn the victory, or its simply not.

To her amazement, he convinced Weiss and Ruby to become study partners. Usually while he and Pyrrha were sparring, the two are somewhere, probably the dorm considering the time if not still out with Yang's team. It must have worked, Considering that Weiss's angry tone volume was down to practically zero now.

She was quite worried when she realized she had two very important public figures on her team, even if one of them was in hiding. Yet he didn't seem to carry any pride like Schnee, or ill intent like others she has known. He was a smartass, but it wasn't ill will. A friendly jokester that loved to prod at his team.

He was quite serious about the bunk beds too. How he pulled it off She still didn't know.

Occasionally, he disappeared. "Unavoidable ARC business" He said, but he completed his work, and made sure to attend class.

And of course, he always made time for her.

"How about we stop for now Jaune, You made a lot of progress tonight." She said, she meant it too. Each fight he was adapting faster, fighting longer. She could see the exhaustion on his face and body. While she could see determination to continue, she needed to slow him down. Thankfully he was agreeable.

"Thanks Pyrrha, I'll pack it in. I gotta do better though."

"For someone that decided on this path so recently, you are better than you give yourself credit for."

Perhaps he wasn't the best, but he often showed his metal in Combat Class. His intellect Showed often when it came to tactics and theory.

They took a seat against the wall. Jaune took a deep breathe, leaning his head back. He opened his eyes to the constellation above. 'Orion, the Hunter.'

"Do you think Ruby and Weiss are doing better? Did I make the right call?" Jaune asked Pyrrha as they rested against the wall.

"I think it was a good call. They needed help communicating. Weiss needs to curb her expectations. They have spent the last few days together, Even if its with others."

"Hopefully Ruby will help her loosen up. Guess its a good thing her sister is there. It already takes two to pull that stick out of her ass."

"Jaune!" Pyrrha shouldn't laugh, but she is, because Jaune is, and his laugh is contagious. A bout of laughter overcomes the two. once the two settle again, its quiet for a moment.

The wind makes the tree branches a chorus of rustling leaves. The shattered moon is hidden behind clouds, but it's glow bleeds through.

"Pyrrha?" Jaune breaks the spell. Their eyes meet.

"Yes Jaune?" He seems slightly bothered,he turns his head forward, toward the trees.

"Thank you for your help, really. As a fighter I'm farther behind than the others."

"Jaune its no trouble-" But Jaune isn't done.

"For me, it is, I am worried I am not being the leader I should be. It's not fair to you, Ruby or Weiss. You should be able to depend on me too."

'Does he think he's dragging the team down? He's the reason we have our shit together.'

"Where is this coming from Jaune-"

"I cheated my way in." His voice cut in hard, silencing her, Waiting for her to sink the answer in.

"In the grand scheme it doesn't bother me all that much. But Jaune Stark's background is a lie. I didn't go to Signal or some academy. I didn't train for years to earn the right to be here.. You probably known this since Weiss ousted me in the lockers. 'Lucky no one else was there... I hope.' You deserve a better partner than-"

"Jaune, Stop."

Pyrrha had moved herself over Jaune, hands on his shoulders, her legs on either side of him. Her eyes were shiny like emeralds, and the night only made them brighter. Her lip seemed to quiver, but than she spoke softly and clearly.

"I don't want another partner, you don't have to prove anything. I have seen you not only progress, but strive for more. You are one of us, and that it doesn't matter if it's Arc or Stark, it is you."

Her hands moved from his shoulders to his neck. She caressed him gently, giving the spot behind his ears a small massage. Jaune's own hands had moved to her thighs, a natural reaction to her suddenly mounting him. His thumbs traced circles, His eyes were lost in hers, and visa versa.

He shouldn't let this happen so fast, but he was exhausted from the weekend. He didn't want to hurt her, she wasn't one of those cover models, or arm candy just wanting a sugar daddy. Not a fling that leaves once they have what they wanted. This was Pyrrha.

"Pyrrha..."

Jaune's Scroll beeped loudly for his attention. Seeing the caller was Ruby, he answered. Her panicked face brought him to alarm.

"Jaune! this is really bad and I need you to get here. We are at the docks, White Fang are here-"

"Ruby what the hell are you doing there?!"

"Well we were were helping Blake investigate the White Fang -"

"What!?"

Weiss hoped Jaune got the location beacon she sent him. Ruby had to hang up as the fight resumed. Using her scroll as the source of the signal, Weiss hoped he'd able to help.

She couldn't believe she actually followed through with this. The fact that they humored that monkey! They completely underestimated the numbers.

She didn't just come to prove a point to Blake, she wanted to feed her own curiosity. If they were targeting dust, than the SDC-

She jumped back as a White Fang's axe almost came down on her. Using red dust, Myrtenaster sent a wave of fire down on the ground, giving her distance between her and the White Fang.

Yes it was the White Fang, and they were still using ARC weaponry. It seemed that leftovers from Vacuo had reinforced their numbers here. Where else do you get a madman wielding a Chainsaw? Besides Southern Vale?

Jaune would want to know, she'd like to think he'd tell her if they're rolls were reversed. Of course, he could be hiding some sins behind his back. Not a shocker in her family's social circles. Even then, He's never hurt her before. 'Certainly never physically, or intentionally...'

She took cover with Ruby behind some Crates.

"How long before the authorities get down here!?"

"I don't know! You would think they would have heard it by now!" Thankfully they were holding their own, but the tide was shifting. Nora and Ren were an absolute powerhouse together, years of traveling together gave them a co-operative edge.

Yang was sending shell after shell into the White Fang. Searching for her mother gave Yang a bit more battle experience when it came to dishing it out hard. After sending an uppercut into a straggler, she turned to the sound of Bullheads. Unfortunately these two Bullheads were carry White Fang reinforcements.

"Guys, reinforcements! Blake! we gotta pull back!"

Blake was going hard after Roman. The flashy criminal was playing defensively, but he kept the Feral Cat at bay with a smile.

Weiss heard the warning. Switching to a cyan colored dust, She activated a barrier around her and Ruby. The bullhead guns unloaded into the dock, Hammering Weiss's Barrier. It shattered after a second spray followed up the first, Breaking the barrier and separating Weiss from Ruby. Then, a small black cylinder with a beeping yellow light rolled in front of her. A non-lethal blowback grenade, ARC made, usually for security-

Weiss was knocked back by the force, her vision becoming a scrambled haze. It sent her rolling into the floor. When she came to, she could hear yelling, through her haze, she saw the bear-like man stalk towards her, his mask encompassing his entire face. She heard Ruby, but she couldn't tell where she was, only that she was screaming. Her vision went dark as the man rose his chainsaw over his head.

VVVVV-SCCCRRREEEEEEEE

The darkness was disturbed by sparks and flashes of light. Her eyes opened to Jaunes back, both of his hands held the shield half of Crocea Mors overhead as the chainsaw attempted to tear through. The family heirloom held strong, the old sword and shield combo made up for its simplicity with absolute durability.

The Faunus brute was strong however. Jaune halted the man, but was pinned by the Faunus brute's superior strength. Jaune refused to budge as he was forced down to a knee. Suddenly the Brute's chainsaw rose up, before he could swing down on Jaune, Pyrrha fired a round into his shoulder. Jaune took the advantage to draw his blade. aggressively hacking and slashing at the beast-man. The brute backed off, fresh wounds adorning his chest as grunts returned cover fire.

Jaune dashed in front of Weiss, swinging his shield in front of them, before several rounds hit. Pyrrha was in full use of her semblance, pulling the weapons right out of the terrorist's hands. Ruby grabbed Weiss, pulling her to cover again as she fully regained her bearings.

Jaune's sword Grinded against sawteeth as he clashed with the Brute once more. The man's mask made the flying sparks no bother.

"What's up? Vacuo not working out for you?" The giant growled at Jaune.

"We will recover, than we will take our rightful place. The human filth will lay at our feet, as they should." He started to overpower Jaune again. But Jaune wouldn't fold.

"You'll have to get through me. As long as I draw breath, I will never let you hurt others again!"

Jaune went on the offensive, forcing their weapons down, he let go of his sword, grabbing the Brutes exposed bicep. The beastly man was too late to respond before electric arcs coursed through his body. Jaune scaled it up to full power. The gloves battery drained. The brute fell over comatose.

Roman saw he was outnumbered, flashing red and blue lights signaling the time to leave. They had enough dust anyway. He quickly knocked Blake back to parry Jaune's downward slash. Jumping back he aimed his cane sending an explosive round into Jaune, who put his shield forward. The force sent Jaune backwards. White Fang bullheads arriving to the battles hammered down on the two teams.

Three Bullheads were readying up for another run before green beams of energy suddenly sliced the vehicles apart. Jaune and Ruby looked up to see a redhead with dozens of swords floating around.

'Huh, I wonder if metal manipulation is a redhead trait-wait a minute.' Jaune had multiple branching thoughts, however all were dominated by one.

'That fucker is trying to leave.' Jaune rushed the well dressed criminal, hoping to stop him from leaving. As he leaped into the air to cut him down, a pink Parasol appeared. It shattered the moment Crocea Mors made contact. Sadly Roman was gone. The police arriving conveniently AFTER the fact.

Penny floated down by Ruby, as police took some of the trainee's accounts.

"Friend! I am glad I found you! I forgot to ask you for your scroll number!"

Jaune beelined towards the group of huntresses. A hard glare at the other team leader apparent.

"Who the hell do you think you are! Do you realize how much shit you could have just pulled them into?!"

"Jaune wait, I chose to help." Ruby tried to get Jaunes attention. She succeeded, he turned to her, his look softened, but carried a wild look.

"Weiss, Ruby, are you both okay?" Weiss, mostly recovered but nursing a headache, gave a nod. Ruby held her arms together in a nervous look. Jaune let out a quiet breath, before his gaze hardened. "Good, now be quiet. I'll be back with you two in a moment." He turned his attention to Blake. He had his eyes glued to hers.

"Well Blake, I am waiting."

"Jaune, I didn't ask them to come!"

"But you didn't stop them, or inform me." She held herself, hands clinging to her Biceps, as she looked away.

"I didn't know they left you in the dark. I...just wanted to prove it wasn't the white fang..." She sounded guilty, perhaps sad about how the situation turned out. It wasn't enough for Jaune. He turned her towards him again.

"Who gave you the authority to put my teammates lives in danger like this?" He moved closer to her. "To prove what? Bad people do bad things? My teammates mean so little to you?!" The others were thrown off by Jaune's explosive anger. The leader of Team JSPR was usually the fun and happy one, not the one in a rage. He was pissed.

"Chill out man." The other blonde tried to interject. He was chatting Ren and Nora about the mop up, before he decided to interject here. Jaune didn't know this guy, at all.

"Who are you?"

"Name is Sun. I knew about the shipment. We were just gonna see if they would show at all." Jaune doesn't back down, his expression turned cold.

"I see, so instead of going to this with, I don't know, the police maybe? You instead drag my team into it." Blake winces at his bite. "Did you even consider calling?"

"Jaune, I think we should be glad we made it." Pyrrha kept the fire from spreading, but she couldn't put it out for good.

"How did you even get here so fast?" Ruby wouldn't have expected them to arrive so fast.

"That would be our doing Miss Rose." Headmaster Ozpin made his presence known. Glynda was by his side, an eyebrow raised irritably. "Just come back to Beacon with us, we'll get your briefings there."

Jaune stared at Ozpin hard. He didn't know why Ozpin would cover for him. He clearly knew more than he let on about Jaune's...side project. But he had to let it slide now. Turning to the new redhead, at least what was suppose to be a redhead, that green energy...

"Penny right? Thank you for the assist."

"You are welcome fellow man of metal." 'Wait, what did she just say?' No one seemed to notice her wording. She must be like this a lot. But hey, she didn't have to have to look out for his teammates, and she did.

"Well Penny, We should head out. But let's hang next time you are in town, yeah?" He had no idea if Ruby knew she is a machine , but she she seemed friendly enough. She gave him a megawatt smile.

The swordsman signaled his team to head out. But he turned to Blake one more time.

"If you want to involve your team in this war on crime and terror, that's neat. Keep my team out of it."

"Okay you two, start now." Jaune leaned back against the kitchen counter. His armor and hoody now off, Crocea Mors still hung at his side. The tee shirt was taught against his frame, Arms strong from forging metal crossed against each other. Ruby fidgeted under his gaze.

"Dust stores were being robbed. Some investigators thought it was the White Fang." Ruby said.

"And Blake wanted to...what, prove it?"

"She wanted to prove it wasn't them."

"motherf- why?"

"I don't know. She's apparently a faunus too. Maybe it was empathy."

"So let me see if I got this right. Blake wanted to prove the White Fang weren't robbing Dust stores. Her team is going, because Yang obviously wouldn't let her go alone, and you followed because Yang is your sister?" Ruby nodded. "You see, that makes sense, looking out for family." He turned his attention to Weiss. "So why didn't you call me?"

"I wanted nothing to do with it!" Her cheeks flushed with embarrassment. She looked down slightly." Then I realized whoever is stealing dust, White Fang or not, might pose a risk to my family." Jaune let the answer sink in. He was calm, but he was still angry. He spoke after a few seconds.

"Two days, two whole days I was left under the impression you were bonding with Yang and her team. Than I get a call from Ruby while a shootout was occuring." Weiss knew that was coming, and didn't hide her frustration.

"That wasn't the plan! We were just suppose to watch, hidden, than Blake saw it was the White Fang. The idiot put herself into danger trying to appeal to those animals! I just wanted intel."

"Well, was it good intel?" Weiss seemed think on her words, ultimately she chose to be blunt.

"The White Fang were robbing the stores, Roman Torchwick is working with them, some of them seemed like they were from Vacuo... They were using ARC weaponry." Jaunes clenched his jaw.

"I noticed." He would have to hack the police files later, see what he can trace. "They used a mark five concussion grenade, non lethal, designed for police. You are sure you are okay?"

His tone was direct, his face hard but concerned, and his acknowledgement softened her, as she nodded. "I'll be okay, most of the effects have worn off."

Jaune looked to Pyrrha, The look much softer. "Thank you for having my back Pyrrha. Your trust, it means a lot to me."

"I trust you, Jaune." He looked at her, before a pained expression overcame his features, and he looked down. It was quiet in the room again. Than Weiss, out of nowhere, swore.

"Shit. With this going on, we completely forgot to get dust rounds for Crescent Rose this entire weekend." Ruby just pulled her bestie in for a gentle hug.

"Oh Weiss, I am just glad you are okay. We'll go out again once you have rested up."

"You will rest this week Weiss Schnee. We all will pitch in to help." Jaune made the schematics for concussion grenades from mark three onwards. One of the first projects his father assigned him to a few years back. He rant tests, and he knows what they can do.

"Jaune you need rest yourself." Jaune would agree if he saw himself. Instead his mind was muddled with thoughts of what could have happened.

"I will rest easier if you let me. Tonight, any one of us could be somewhere else. If I lost any of you..." 'I would become a War Machine, Mechanized death to any and all who spilled your blood.'

It was a temptation, he was far from a golden boy. He was already using a sword, and he has spilled gallons of blood for gods sakes. Why not give him the edge, so he could win the fight. So he could go home. If he failed his teammates, whoever did it, they would feel the force of his entire arsenal.

He could see the machine now: Dark armor for stealth. A gatling gun over his shoulder, targeting system from the paladin borrowed, and improved. Micro-missile packs on his back. Glowing red eyes glaring...

Jaune was lost in thought, the pain in his chest just as distracting. He did not notice ruby and Weiss until it was too late. Their arms were around him, a two on one group hug. He made the idea up jokingly a while back as a mock tactic. He didn't expect them to use it. Ruby spoke genuinely.

"I am sorry Jaune, really. It all just spun out of control."

"I am too, at the least, we could have told you."

The pain in his chest receded, but it would not be for long. He wrapped an arm around each, pulling them close.

"Thank you guys, now get yourselves to bed. I have to take a walk, Pyrrha? Come with me?"

She followed him out the door. He walked a little ways before speaking.

"Pyrrha, thank you for following. I won't lie, we need to talk, but I also might need your help." She followed him closely, which was easy at the way he was slowing down. he suddenly stopped against the wall. "Sorry, shit, I should have swapped them out sooner."

"Jaune are you okay? Where are we going?" Letting out a breathe, Jaune started to move again.

"The bullhead hanger. No worries, we are allowed." Suddenly he lurched over. Pyrrha put an arm over her shoulders, she got him down to the hanger as fast as possible.

It war dark when they entered the hanger. Dim floor lights offered some visibility.

"Last one on row C, just like before."

Pyrrha had one of Jaunes arms over her Shoulders as she speedily walked them down. Jaune reached one hand out to the scanner. It seemed to scan it for a second before beeping in green lights. The ramp way opened up. Pyrrha had seen this part already.

"Jaune, how did-"

"The workshop table, right there."

Pyrrha didn't gawk around earlier when they first left. Everything was still very new, and she was getting used to the idea that a student had a private Bullhead, modified for extra speed. Jaune didn't say much, other than he was good friends with a colonel in the armed forces.

Bringing him over to the chair, he entered an unreadable sequence of button pressing. Before Pyrrha could utter a word, the wall shifted. The Cylinder by the Workshop spun open to reveal red and gold armor, with a matching sword and shield. She just stared, stunned as she barely registered Jaune taking off his shirt. The glowing blue circle is his chest screamed the connection at her. .

Than she almost screamed as he suddenly pried the device off his Chest. What looked like a chip of some kind in the back was smoking black. Jaune tossed it as fast as he could, before grabbing a silver chip of similar size, and placing it back in. The silver chip disappeared into the device, as He locked it back into his chest. His breath was relieved, as his complexion improved tenfold.

"Sir, the palladium cores are burning out at a five percent higher rate."

"I know Jarvis, add it to the list."

"Very well sir, shall I leave you to your guest?"

He realized that Pyrrha was still here, awaiting answers. He turned, not sure what to expect.

She had all her attention on him now. Her eyes on the dark grid like veins spreading from his Arc reactor, clear as day.

"Jaune?" She whimpered.

It was later that Pyrrha and Jaune sat across from each other. The bullhead was closed up again, giving them privacy and silence, once Pyrrha calmed down. Jaune put on a new shirt. It didn't hide the circular light in his chest, and he didn't bother. Her eyes were switching between the red and gold armor, to the light in his chest.

"So... yeah...Iron Knight." He started, not sure where to start.

"Jaune I...why?"

"Why travel around in a suit of armor? Why fight terrorists? Why bother going to a huntsman academy?" He looked down in thought.

"I made the prototype to escape my captors. Afterword, well, I shut down the weapons division. However, terrorist cells were still using my weapons. I decided to clean house."

"You took out the entire Vacuo branch by yourself..."

"Yeah...I thought-hoped it would end there. The huntsman part is a little more complicated. It was something I wanted to do, our ancestors did, and my father skipped. Don't get me wrong, I am certainly a weapons-smith myself. But I had an urge, something that I filled with other things. But I think being a huntsman... makes things right." 'Right as they can be'

"Jaune, I want to help. Those patterns on your chest, everything. Something is wrong, tell me the truth." He grimaced a bit, but he owed her for trusting him this far, he had to trust back.

"Pyrrha, What I am about to tell you, you can't share this. I know it's unfair to Ruby and Weiss, lets cross that bridge when we get there." She wanted to argue, but felt she had to learn more from him first. If he forced her hand, fine, but she gave her partner the benefit of the doubt.

"Okay."

Jaune was not in a grand mood monday. The training weekend ended with the team leader having a pseudo heart attack. First emotionally, with Ruby and Weiss's dock 'incident'. Than physically, with his 'condition' he had pushed off treating due to said incident. Replacing his 'battery' helped immensely, but it still became a late night with Pyrrha.

Pyrrha... she was quiet today. He told her a lot last night, practically everything. Worded simply, he was glad the Bullhead sealed and sound proof. At some point they had to go to bed, get what sleep they could. He had told her there was more, but She knew the important stuff. She said it was fine.

But now she hasn't spoken much to him today. Ruby and Weiss didn't notice, because everyone was honest to god tired from the weekend, last night's events still fresh.

He knew Pyrrha was hurting, that she had to sort out everything she heard, and she had learned a lot. Yet it felt like he was being shut out. He just wants to pull her aside, talk to her, tell her how much she means to him, because right now she is probably gauging how much she can trust him.

What was truly driving him mad, was the looks she would give him. He admitted to himself, to her, that he wasn't at the level he should be. He wasn't so behind that he didn't know she was doing, even if she didn't intentionally do so. Looks of pity, sadness, only once or twice, she had this look of frustration.

He never cared before, shallow woman were a part of his old social life. One of the good things "Uncle Obie" taught him was to see through feminine manipulation.

"Keep those goddamn gold diggers away from Arc. Don't play that game. take em, than leave im, leave your feelings at the door."

But this wasn't an upper-class whore or some gold digger. This was Pyrrha, and she was hurting because of him.

Right now, he was running on low sleep and leftover irritation from the night before. Combat class was last today, The results for the last pair to fight were being randomly generated. Lo and behold, Cardin and Jaune's faces appeared on the screen.

Glynda called for the two to come down to the arena. Pyrrha looked on quietly, putting on a brave face, but her eyes betrayed worry. Ruby was even worse, hoping he didn't get hurt because he was worn out from last night. Weiss was for the first time not participating actively in class. She watched Jaune walk down the steps.

"You will fight until one of you ends up in the red zone of your aura. Begin."

Cardin certainly meant his threat in class. Jaune was on the defensive almost immediately. He was able to avoid most damage, dancing around Cardin. But Cardin would eventually land a hit, dishing damage on Jaune. He wasn't able to get a direct strike with his semblance, but he didn't need to. Jaune meanwhile would maneuver around him, using the blunt side of his sword to smack Cardin around his torso and head. His heart was not in the fight. Cardin seemed to notice too.

Occasionally, your aura can fail you briefly, if the hit is too strong it can bypass aura. This is why it was not suspicious to The others that blood was leaking from Jaune's nose after having been knocked back into the wall from a vicious swing. Ruby and Weiss were one of the few to wonder if the blood was because of something else. Glynda paused the match, in the case that something was wrong.

"Jaune, do you want to continue?" She asked, He nodded with a smirk, playing it off. sheathing his blade, he pulled out a cloth to wipe the blood. As He made eye contact with Pyrrha, seeing her look away from him. Cardin decided to push the big red button.

"I wonder if your dad bled as easy as you do." Weiss had gasped at the taunt, as anger left Jaune, so did every other emotion. The stress catching up in full force. Only technical data seemed relative.

'This mustn't register on an emotional level.' He turned, assessing his moves and Cardin in one very long, very thoughtful moment. He nodded to Miss Goodwitch, stealthily activating his wired gloves with a small hum. Setting it to a "low level", Cardin moved, and he put his plan to action.

'First, distract target.Then block his blind swing.' Jaune flung his cloth into Cardin's face. He parried the mace swing before raising his right fist.

'Counter with cross to left cheek.' He drives the fist right into Cardin's pretty face. Before Cardin can recover, Jaune sends both hand open and forward.

'Discombobulate' Both hands, aura charged, smack into Cardin's skull. The move rattles his brain, he moves by instinct.

'Dazed, he will attempt wild haymaker. Employ elbow block, than body shot.' Cardin swings hard, but Jaune is too close, His Forearm stopping Cardin's. He drives his right fist home into Taller boy's body.

'Block feral left, weaken right jaw.' Cardin's left fist went for a wild swing. Jaune parried with his right elbow as his left swings into Cardin's right. Jaune only readjusts for a moment before he is back on the offensive.

'Now fracture' He drives his Left fist to into Cardin's face to follow up his elbow hit.

'Break cracked ribs.' He sends his Right fist into Cardin.

'Traumatize solar plexus.' His left fist follows the right in quick succession.

'Dislocate Jaw entirely' He sent his right fist, Aura humming within, into Cardin's face. He raises his right knee up.

'heel-kick to diaphragm' The leg spears into Cardin with the power of an industrial piston, sending him into the wall.

' In summary; Ears ringing, jaw fractured, three ribs cracked, four broken, diaphragm haemorrhaging.'

Physical recovery without aura: six weeks.

With aura: six days.

psychological recovery: six months

For what the others witnessed, Jaune had just sent Cardin's aura into red in a sequence so sudden you would miss it if you blinked. Even Pyrrha was stunned, proud of Jaune, but had no idea he had such tricks up his sleeve.

Jaune simply watched Cardin struggle to get up. The weekends stress seemed to leaves in spades. It didn't erase the problem, but he felt a lot less pent up now.

"Mr. Stark that was a dirty move but effective. Mr. Winchester, your knee-jerk response only allowed him to get the better of you. Lets get you to the infirmary."

The students were quiet at the quick turn of events. Jaune simply walked out of the arena floor. He signaled his teammates.

"I am gonna hit the showers before the next class starts." He made it a point to keep his distance from Faunus. They seemed to notice more about him, what exactly he didn't know.

Once he was in the hallways he felt clear. Heading into the guys shower he barely noticed the other occupant.

Fox was cleaning up after his own training session with Coco and Yatanushi. The fox eared man twitched and raised his nose as Jaune passed him. He hadn't seen for years, but his smell was better than ever. He wasn't sure who just passed, but he should probably let the headmaster know.

One of his students was ill, and needed help.

Of course Jaune was methodical and quick with his wash(it wasn't going to help his emotional state anyway. )

Pyrrha was outside when he exited the showers. She could have just arrived or waited there since he entered, it didn't matter to him. She seemed to try to grab his attention, yet he walked away from her as he did Weiss early in the year. Make no mistake, if Pyrrha hesitated, he would turn right back. Thankfully she followed.

In an isolated hall, Jaune suddenly turned to face her. Wrapping his arms around her gentle and slow. He pressed her to the wall, ready to release her if she chose. Pyrrha is confused, flustered, than he says:

"Please don't hate me." His breath was warm, his voice hesitant. "Please don't shut me out, I can't take it, especially with you."

"Jaune-"

"I fucked up lying to you. I am continuing to fuck up every day I don't tell Ruby and Weiss. But I would do it again because... I have baggage, demons, the moment I pull you in, it may not let you out. It's all so fucked, but, please don't leave, I can't lose you too."

Jaune lost his composure as he spoke, a devious, more possessive aspect of Pyrrha screeched at her to take advantage, to make him hers and only hers. In a way She did, but not based on her lust, but her love for her partner. She wrapped her arms around him in turn, relishing in his touch.

"Jaune, I'm not leaving you, I won't leave you."

Its a breath of relief that escape him. his body shook as anxiety left. Than he started to cry, it was a cry of relief, releasing all that he kept bottled up since he escaped.

They weren't disturbed. There would be no mercy from Pyrrha from those who did.

Last day of First semester

Beacon Cafeteria

"Leader, I have a proposal." Ruby Said, Standing on her seat at the lunch table.

"Ruby no." Weiss said.

"Go on." Jaune said, Weiss groaned.

"The best day ever!" Ruby said. "I had a dream, a dream that our team had the best day ever." She looked at Jaune hopefully. "Classes start tomorrow, so I took the time to schedule a series of wonderful events for us today."

"Did you steal my binder?"

"wah? bwah? Weiss, would never-"

"I can see it sticking out of your bag."

"...crap."

"However, whatever we do today we should spend it together as a team."

"Well said Weiss, I approve of this plan Ruby." Jaune said.

"Yes!" Ruby cheered, Jaune looked over to Pyrrha, who seemed to look at him at the same time. They smiled at each other. It gave him hope for the new semester.

Blake couldn't believe how fast everything went downhill. They were just suppose to attend the meeting. It was suppose to be just her, than Sun tagged along, than her team caught on and followed her. They even got 'disguises' to blend in better(She can't believe Nora's fake cow horns actually worked.)

Somehow Torchwicke caught on. And now he was pursuing her in a stolen mech, a 'Paladin' he called it. He hounded after her in particular, Yang and Nora grabbed her motorcycle trying to catch up. Her call for help hopefully reached the others. Ruby and Weiss were at CCT, he didn't know if Jaune would answer

She had thought she had shaken him off on the highway. Than, to her horror, the paladin leaped into the highway rushing headlong into a herd of traffic.

Cars were sent careening just by making contact, than he started batting them away, sending them flying. Roman didn't care.

He was having too much fun to notice.

"Jarvis talk to me." 'What the hell are they doing on the highway?'

Of course he got the message, the moment Blake hit send Jarvis notified him in the Bullhead lab. He Suited up and flying after the first sentence, listening to the rest in flight. He was pushing mach 1 speed, hoping to get there before it was too late.To his horror the chase had moved to a busy highway. And he saw the results.

"Sir, files indicate that is a paladin prototype." That didn't make sense, the Paladin was put on halt years back, after the accident with the initial prototype. This one was different, work had clearly been done during the supposed hiatus. It shouldn't be this fast. "Emergency Medical Personal have been notified."

Jaune only had a second before two people were just sent flying off the bridge.

'Oh shit!'

Sun and his blue haired friend Neptune were launched midair courtesy of the Paladin. Expecting a rough landing, they didn't expect to be going back upward. Looking up, both saw the red and gold knight, who didn't hesitate to give orders once he dropped them down.

"I am dropping you two here, check every car for anyone who needs help." He rocketed off down the highway. Jaune's HUD homed in on the rampaging mecha. Pulling up beside Yang on her motorcycle, she had to look twice to believe it.

"Holy shit. It's actually Iron Knight!"

"Hey there. We will talk, first we gotta help the civilians. EMTs are already on the way, let me deal with the paladin." His voice was distorted, but clear enough to understand.

"Sure thing!" Thank goodness she didn't argue.

He managed to see Weiss make the mech slip on ice. instead of slipping off, it dug its hands and feet into the road. Smashing roughly into the side. the wall gave out as several pieces fell below, but the mech stayed on the highway. The paladin braced it's legs, as the missile pack sent a volley of rockets into the highway system.

While several detonated into other highways, a majority aimed at Weiss and Blake were suddenly destroyed by pulses of energy. A red and gold figure suddenly drills itself into the Paladins center, sending both careening off the bridge, both figures falling into the depths below.

The landing was hard, even with the Paladin taking the brunt of it. When Jaune realized it wasn't getting up, he jumped unto the cockpit and activated the wrist torch. The flame's small size barely hid the power within. It was Roman becoming suddenly aware of the attempting breach of his cockpit that the machine lurched upward.

The Mark IV was unique from his earlier designs. While sharing many basic functions with the Mark III, it differed in that a sword and shield system was built into it. Intended to take advantage of his Huntsman training, painfully crafted two magnetic points were placed in upper back and each gauntlet, located in the palm and the top of his forearm . This would allow him to practically summon his weapons to him in battle.

The Sword, "King", was a gold blade with a red hilt. The red sheath was built in to retract into the hilt. The shield, "Queen", was predomintly red with a gold trim. While based on and echoing Crocea Mors, he took enough care to make sure there was enough differences between them, no insignia to compromise his family name either..

Of course, he hadn't tested it till now.

Jaune drew his sword from his armors right shoulder blade, holding it in a reverse grip, he stabbed it down into the armor between the left shoulder and arm. It didn't get very deep, and Jaune only had enough time to draw his shield as a steel fist hit him like a truck. The hit made him lose grip on the sword mid flight before he rolled back into a battle stance. The Paladin shifted its arm into an energy cannon, firing blue bolts of light at Jaune. He attempted to use his thrusters to dodge, but the Paladin's lock on was insanely fast. Barely dodging the blue volts, he grimaced as the pillar he hid behind took damage.

As the blasts stopped. Jaune boosted to the side before Launching himself straight at the Paladin. Throwing himself Into a slide, Powering his sword hand, he sent a repulsion blast into the Paladin as it attempted to aim at him. Sliding under the Paladin, he Reached out to his sword, it suddenly zipped itself into his hand as he got into range. He Jettisoned upward before launching himself into a powerful downward swing as the mech turned. It struck the Paladin's left side once again, casing severe damage to it's side. Bracing himself, his shield blocked another strike from an armored fist before it flipped into an energy cannon. Jaune threw his hand outward toward it, Repulsion blast at full power. Both Activated at the same time, setting off the Paladin's energy cannon inside the arm. The blast knocked both combatants away from each other. The paladin lost it's arm, Jaune was certain his armor was compromised in certain sections. He could shrug it off though, he had to.

The Paladin's red targeting lasers were searching again. The surrounding smoke covered Jaune. 'I need to end this now.' He gripped his sword hard. He launches himself as the Paladin launches a volley of missiles at him. The Iron Knight flies upward, disappearing in the explosion.

The Iron Knight flies downward at full power, sword raised. He stabs directly into the missile pack unit. Switching his grip, the hilt magnetized to his forearm, locking it in. He reignites the thrusters again at full power, dragging the arc electric heated blade across, before forcing it down the side. The explosives within triggered, which would than set off the generator. The resulting explosion would come off to the witnesses on the highway as a very loud light show.

When the explosions stopped, and smoke and silence clouded the area, Jaune made sure to check. Only the Mark Four's glowing eyes were visible in the smoke.

"Jarvis, scan for vitals." Jaune said as reached what remained, a charred corpse a damaged bowling hat, Jarvis confirmed what he thought.

"There is no vitals sir. Target eliminated."

It wasn't the first time Jaune had killed. Each time hurt, comforted only by the fact that it was to stop them from killing others. If he had to be honest, he wasn't sure if he would have arrested Roman, or killed him, had he managed to open the cockpit.

"Scan the structures, the city will need a damage report sent as soon as possible."

"Push!"

Both Nora and Yang pushed off the car with their combined strength, freeing the car pinned under it. The warriors in training heard the explosions set off from below them, but they trusted the armored stranger to handle it.

The Paladin had left a very apparent path. EMTs had arrived as the Iron Knight had said, and thank gods they did. There were dozens injured, several in critical condition. The students did what they could, freeing people trapped in their cars, removing debris.

Everyone's attention went to the Iron Knight as he landed back on the highway, Weapons reset on his back. Yang was quick to move towards him, her team leader following, along with the others.

"Is everyone alright?" Hearing him in person was still messing with Yang mentally. Whatever he was using to alter his voice placed him somewhere in his late thirties to early forties.

She was crossed between excitement and concern, as it was obvious he took damage. He seemed to look over everyone, lingering on Ruby and Weiss for a moment.

"Are you alright?" Ruby voiced the question everyone had.

His Armor was decorated in dents and scratches. The red paint job had black scorch marks from the blasts he took. Some parts let you see flesh underneath, enough to tell you a person was under the armor.

"I'll be fine, thank you, the Paladin has been destroyed."

"What about Roman?" Something about his stare dug deep into Blake.

"Destroyed." A chill went down her spine, although it seemed to excite Yang.

"Dude, you are awesome."

"I appreciate the fans, unfortunately time is short, I gotta borrow your team leader for a second." There seemed to be a snark in his tone, as he pointed at Blake. As he moved towards her, Sun decided to step up.

"Hey man, she's got nothing to do with this." 'Unfortunately, she has everything to do with this, you...?'

"Who are you?" He honestly forgot. He wouldn't bother remembering either, as he activated his repulsor at the lowest power.

"Sun Wuk-"

"Sun? Meet Moon" with that he casually sent the monkey faunus away with a low level blast. Sun was launched several feet unto his ass.

Gently but firmly he grabbed Blake, jetting off with her to a nearby rooftop before anyone could argue. Distant enough to give them privacy, but still within view. Blake thought he might want what info she had.

She wasn't expecting him to tear her a new asshole.

"What is wrong with you, do you have any idea how bad this could have gotten?"

"The White Fang are doing something big in Vale. I can't let things end up like Vacuo."

"Did you not think to notify the authorities first? Instead you dragged your team into this." 'Again'

"I didn't ask them to." 'Oh my god it always starts with you doesn't it?'

"But they did, because they are your team. Even if you weren't team leader this is unacceptable. Did you not learn the first time at the docks?"

"I didn't even want to be a leader! Wait, how do you know about that?"

"It is not that hard to get info. You should know about that well enough, Daughter of Ghira." Blake sucked her breath in.

"Does that mean, do you know? Me? the White Fang..." He nods at her before looking out towards the wrecked highway. Their mutual friends were seeing where they may be needed on the bridge. Seeing Weiss tend to someone wounds in the distance, it warmed him, yet filled him with guilt. She was trustworthy, so was Ruby, who was by her sister.

"Have you ever seen the cost of your actions, met the people who lives you affected? Children orphaned because their parents were killed, homes lost because of someone elses greed. Peace turned into violence."

"..."

"I didn't, I just went along my merry way. I was worried about what other thought of me. I thought the path laid out for me was the only path..."

When it was clear she had no response, he continued.

"You are not a monster Blake, I can see you are trying, but you are not helping this way. "

"You know about my past?" He turns to her sharply, his words cold and sharp

"Your past is irrelevant, what matters is what you are doing to change that. Torchwicke just stomped through a busy highway in a prototype war machine, you are lucky no civilians were killed."

The truth of the matter quieted her. Cars were flipped and rammed by torchwicke during his chase. Not everybody had aura. Her cat ears lowered and she looked down. People got hurt because he spotted them-specifically her-in the crowd. If she gave an anonymous tip, there was no guarantee they would look into it. But maybe than no one would have been hurt, civilians at least. Than his wording caught up with her: no "civilians"

'Torchwicke is dead. He actually killed him.'

He stepped closer to her again, and she could start to smell him. The armor was throwing her off initially, but her nose accustomed to the scent. 'Metallic, but also burning. Something, doesn't stink, but its not pleasant. He smells like-' His voice drew her attention again. Like a leader, or as Stark once described "Someone who pays for everything."

"You have a responsibility to them as team leader. Maybe you don't care what happens, but they do. They have people that care about them too. People that wanna see them come home."

Ruby came to mind, the sisters spent as much time as they could together. If Yang had gotten hurt, or crushed by a Paladin. How would she look Ruby in the eyes?

"What do I do?"

"You want to leave your past behind? Stop looking for it. If they come to you, than you have your choice, oppose them, or don't. It is that simple." He tossed her a small device. "That is both an earpiece and a beacon, I'll know the moment you activate it. I am trusting you, so trust me. The day Adam Taurus comes for you... either kill him yourself, or call me."

He expects her to kill Adam? With her history...their history... She doesn't know if she could. Adam, he became something else, more extreme than anyone she had seen, yet a part of her still loved him. If he was in front of her right now, she honestly didn't know what she would do.

The Knight was softer spoken now, but he lost none of the authority.

"Go back to Beacon, train to be a huntress. Set an example to follow. Leave this-" He seemed to struggle with words for the White Fang"-'group' behind, for good. Don't waste your life."

He activated his thrusters, and sent off into the air, leaving Blake alone on the roof.

She reunited with the others, EMTS were treating people with minor injuries, the ones with urgent needs already on route to the hospital. Some were loaded up and leaving. The others rushed over to Blake, curious to what the two had talked about on the roof.

"Hey Blake, what did Iron Knight say?" Ruby asked.

'That you are a shitty leader, and need to get over the past. Stop dragging other people into it.'

"He, let me know some things. I needed to hear."

"Oh?" Yang figured he'd leave, she wanted an autograph. But hey, she met the guy. And so did everyone else. Blake had a confused but upset look on her face.

"Yang? I'm sorry I dragged you and your sister into this. Someone could have been hurt. I should be a better leader."

"Aw Kitten, I have faith in you." Yang said. "Iron Knight though, wow. You smell him? You naughty kitten." While Yang was being playful, Blake's face became even more visibly upset.

Everyone noticed

"Blake? Was there something wrong with how he smelled?" Weiss's question brought Blake's attention to her. The faunus was shocked at the wording of the question, as the Heiress had proven her studious dedication well. For her apparent bias, she had quite the knowledge of their biology.

"The metal of his suit was covering a bit, but I know the scent. It's...oddly metallic, yet comparable to decay. I think... I think Iron Knight might be dying."

That stunned the huntsman in training present. Any questions the others had, any random thoughts were silenced. Yang was the first to speak.

"You got to be kidding me, shit. Are you sure?"

"I'm very sure. I know the smell."

"Who else smells like that?"Ruby's question made Blake pause, like she knew, but didn't want to say the answer. Ruby saw Blake's hesitation. She seemed close to saying something, her lips parting. Her hesitation wasn't making Ruby comfortable.

"Blake. Who smells like Iron Knight?" Blake looked at her, Ruby's expression getting more alarmed.She was conflicted on whether to say or not. On one hand, she should trust her friends better. On the other, it wasn't her business to begin with...yet. Deciding to dance on the line between, she spoke with honesty.

"He... smells like Jaune."

Pyrrha just heard from Ruby that Yang met the Iron Knight. Getting a message(from Blake, weirdly enough) that said vigilante had flown away, she rushed to the bullhead hanger. She felt relief hearing his voice, even if he was in a bad mood.

"Easy, EASY. I though we were done with this past the mark-three trials."

When she heard him struggling in the bullhead, she assumed it was some contraption he was trying to figure out.

She wasn't expecting to see him in the middle of a ring. Bionic arms awkwardly disassembling red and gold armor, scorched black, from his body. Iron Knight, no Jaune, looked back at her. Both seemed frozen, even though machines were still prodding at him.

"Lets face it this isn't the worst thing you've caught me doing."

"Are those...scorch marks?"

With Pyrrha's help Jaune had the damaged armor removed properly. The pair had moved to the bed to dress Jaune's wounds. Minor as they were.

"I'm sorry I didn't contact you, JARVIS played me Blake's call for help. I knew I had to get there fast."

"Already forgiven, You are all safe now." Bitching at him for being who he was wouldn't help. You said before it was a Prototype. How dangerous was it?"

"Enough to take on several young but gifted hunters and huntresses. I have to change something in my armor layout, maybe add some form of targeting jammer. That thing was nearly shredded me, thankfully I've dodged faster."

Deciding to be bold, She pressed an affectionate kiss to the side of his temple. She felt a bit to embarrassed to look at him, but she kept her cool

"I'm just glad you are okay." She said as she walked across the room. Jaune blushed red.

"Pass me that shirt would you?"

The dark tee tossed to him didn't hide the light in Jaune's chest. He believed he had time before Ruby and Weiss got back.

He forgot to account that Ozpin would get them back to Beacon, as he was notified the same time as the other authorities. He also forgot that Ruby hadn't contacted him since before his 'other's' departure on the bridge.

The door opened, and Jaune noticed too late. Ruby stood right in the doorway, hands shaking as wet eyes met Jaune's. Even with the glow in his chest apparent, and the bandages he had yet to hide, he knew that she already knew.

Jaune didn't know where to begin, or how to. He expected her to say something about Iron Knight, to be angry at him for not telling them.

"You are dying." Everything stopped.

Her voice is whimpering, and full of sorrow. Pyrrha, having thrown some bloody bandages away, turned at Ruby's voice, but Ruby had her eyes on Jaune.

"When were you going to tell us?" She barely got it out, her breathing uneasy.

Weiss entered than, she had walked to the dorm where as Ruby had rushed. Now here, seeing her target, she passed Ruby. The anger on her face would be beautiful any other time. But it was on a whole new level now.

"You son of a bitch." The rage in her eyes are icy blue fire as she gets right up in his face.

"When the fuck were you gonna tell us? Fuck, were you even gonna tell me!?" Weiss Schnee swearing, look at that. She shoves his shoulder roughly. "What the hell were we going to do when you just die!? Just find you dead one day out of nowhere!?"

She shoves him unto his bed, and begins to smack at his chest. "You stupid selfish asshole!"

She can't stop herself from assaulting him. He's not fighting back, just staring at her, with that fucking look. He is just taking her in like it could be the last time he sees her, and it just pisses her off. Her voice can't decide between seething rage and heartbroken softness.

"Fuck you, fuck you god dammit, fuck you for caring. Fuck you for making ME care!" The self control she was so well known for disintegrated. Only Jaune could recognize Weiss like this, he had seen it before, and it hurt him to see her hurt. Now, he was to blame. "You said you wouldn't leave me, were you just lying to my face Jaune Arc!"

"I fucking confide in you, I trust you. And you would do this to me!?" She's crying now, her smacks are desperate and weak. "We are a team, aren't we?"

Jaune wraps his arms around her, and she doesn't resist. His taped up arms are hidden from her view. unfortunately, they are in direct sight of Ruby, who watches him. At this point, she probably notices more than ever, the damage on his body.

She came closer as Weiss's assault slowed, her face betrayed everything, yet nothing. He could tell exactly what she was feeling, but didn't know how she was going to channel it. She tried to even her breathing, so when she spoke, it was clear to understand.

"You...made us a promise... the night we became a team. "You said we would trust each other. To not be afraid to share our burdens. That our team would be united."

She took a seat by him, the tears flowed freely, as she touched his face.

"This whole time, long before you met us, you were fighting a war all on your own. But you don't have to anymore. Jaune, please let us in. Talk to us, don't hide who you are from us. No more secrets, unless...they are plain embarrassing." That last part would make them laugh any other time. "Please don't shut us out."

Weiss was still on his chest. She was still shaking, but she had stopped hitting him. She was fixated on the glow of his chest.

"Lets get comfortable, Pyrrha, come here. I want JSPR together." Pyrrha, who before would feel quite nervous and embarrassed, went straight to the bed. She stayed upright, but close by as Jaune pulled himself to his beds backboard, his pillow squished behind is back.

He started with his capture, how he was injured by a bomb of his own design. Than he talked about the suit, how he escaped. How he spent the time back home refining the suit design. Fighting back against the Vacuo White Fang cell.

His latest, the Mark-Four, was a testbed for his sword and shield equipment, meant to make use of his huntsman straining. Apparently the Knight part was sticking anyway, why not?

"After I cleaned house there I hoped that would be it. Weiss, I told you I was aware if corruption within ARC..." She didn't speak, only nodding. "Than its very important that you listen to this part." He seemed to pause, as he gently put a finger to Weiss's chin. She lifted her head, her tears still fresh. three pairs of eyes were on him.

"I killed Obadiah Stane."

2 months before Beacon Initiation.

ARC Facility 08, Arc Reactor Engineering and Development.

It was Miss Potts that ironically gave him the leak. She said that she saw concept blueprints for a prototype suit. She said it reminded her of the Iron Knight guy that was clearing Vacuo of it's White Fang. That didn't really surprise Jaune, until Pepper told him who's computer she saw it on.

Now he was at Arc Facility Eight, or, the home of the original Arc Reactor. It wasn't the Reactor he was there for, it was the engineering warehouse connected and close by.

It didn't surprise him, seeing that the blueprints contained a design like his. It needed a power source like his. Problem is, Jaune's Arc reactor was the first of its kind: Small. Small and able to power a suit the gave high level performance(Also to fly.)

The feat could be attempted, but Arc was gifted. It was dangerous to handle an Arc reactor. Careful hands were only one of many necessities. It was extremely potent, enough to overpower any machine fairly easily. That's why it was usually powering massive machines, or entire Facilities. Howard Arc was the first man to do so, thats why Arc is such a big name, they weren't just weapons. They were tech, energy. You could trace it back to the development of the online network.

But now, now they were trying to make a breakthrough by making it smaller, and somehow, they did. It didn't make sense, attempts to get to a suit of his calibur, they were still at least two decades behind. Unless they had gotten one of his parts. That didn't make sense.

Unless someone took parts from his house. But that would mean someone had to get inside his house, have access to Jarvis, or at the least, knew how to set him to maintenance mode.

Only a few people had ways to access his house, and even less had access, or would have knowledge of Jarvis's software.

Entering the facility, he walked through it like it was his own home. It was dark in the facility, but people were here recently, working on something. He wondered where Deja Vu was when he was scanning for the prototype.

Until he was right in front of it, before it greeted him with a sucker punch. The hit sent him to the opposite wall. Thankfully the armor, together with his aura. prevented his skull cracking.

It still hurt like a bitch.

"You really shouldn't have come here Jaune." Obadiah's voice echoed digitally.

Bright red eyes lit up in the dark, and an armored behemoth, 2-3 times Jaunes size, came forward. Jarvis was already frantically scanning and analyzing. It almost seemed like a parody of his first design, blended together with bits and pieces from his follow up designs. It was clear they didn't have everything, but enough data to create a functioning suit. He could see where they would have to substitute what they could for missing data, just by looking at it. They seemed to have used atlas research to help, the glowing red visor reminding him of older AK-130 Knight models from Atlas. Its dark armor had an obvious tint of blue as the light above exposed him.

Jaune had no more milliseconds to spare for thought, as it launched itself at Iron Knight.

Jaune thrusted to the left. Stane managed to clip Jaune, throwing off his trajectory. Jaune regained his balance just in time to aim Both Hands at the rushing behemoth. The armor tanked the repulsor blast with barely any denting before Shouldering Jaune into and through the wall.

Jaune landed roughly into an indoor car lot.

"Oh Jaune, why did you have to grow a heart."

"When did you lose yours?" Jaune boosted into a slide, away from the dark mecha's curbstomp. Flying up into the more open space, he sent blast after blast at Stane. The armor was thick, nearly shell like. He was barely putting dents in, and he didnt have time or energy to draw this out for hours. Stane's laugh echoed digitally throughout the facility.

"I spent months gathering bits data, waited forever for the eggheads to finally get somewhere. You are not gonna hinder progress."

"Progress? Giving guns to terrorists is progress?!" He had to stop this, he activated his wrist missile, the same type he used to destroy a tank. To his shock, a red laser from Stane's shoulder pointed at it, destroying it before it could make contact. Stane took the advantage to leap out of the fiery cloud smacking Jaune down into the earth.

"The Paladin research was more useful than I expected. I should have given Watts more credit." Jaune was slowly rising, Stane was getting irritated. How well was that suit protecting him?

"How many years have I been holding you up Jaune?" Grabbing a Motorcycle by its handle, he smashed it into Jaune sending him into several cars before landing by an old company bus. Stane grabbed him like a wrestler, raising him over his head.

"I spent 30 years holding your father up, and than you." he brought him down on the concrete, hard.

"We are Iron Mongers Jaune, sellers of war, merchants of death. I built this company." Stane's massive hand grabs Jaune by his back, lifting him up. "And nothing will stand in my way." Before flinging him roughly into the bus. The mech start to march away, as though done, before turning around, his back opening up revealing a shoulder rocket. "Least of all, you"

The rocket blows the bus apart, a plume of fire and smoke masked the entire area. Stane moves forward, scanning the area. Designed as a killing machine, he didn't have as many features as Jaune did, but had enough to know two things.

One:Jaune isn't dead, yet.

Two: He escaped, into the facility.

Stane Chuckled "Are we playing hide and seek Jaune?"

Stane's baiting voice echoed into the facility. Jaune didn't know if he would try to smash his way through the facility to find Jaune. He probably would, if his patience thinned enough.

Jaune was on foot to reserve his energy. He staggered forward. The Mark-Three took a severe beating. The left repulsor was no longer functioning. His ribs hurt, he was pretty sure they were cracked, if not broken. The current situation made it hard to gauge.

He entered a room that was bathed in a blue glow. The massive room was mostly bare, except for a few workshop areas, and its pride and Joy in the Center.

The original Arc Reactor.

It was revolutionary during it creation. Near limitless energy. Unfortunately it also was the origin of its infamy as unstable and dangerous. If Jaune lived, he would keep it that way. In the present day, Ironwood would find a way to claim it, replicate it for weapons of mass destruction. A new arms race could potentially find its way.

A glint drew Jaunes eye to the bag on the workbench. Walking over, he pulled off his damaged repulsor gauntlet, letting it drop to the floor. What he pulled out shocked him.

"Crocea Mors" Jaune had left it here sometime after his funeral. For so long he hated it, reminding him constantly that his parents were gone. Now, it called to him. Looking at it, he recalled his father saying it was nearly unbreakable.

A small picture fell out of the bag. Lifting it to the light, Jaune let out a sad laugh. It was a photo, taken at the facility. Everyone in the picture were science division members, Howard Arc and Stane were in the center, in front of them was Jaune, still a child. The men and women in the photo were Jaune's family for the longest time. Uncles and Aunts alike.

Uncle Pym left before Dad had died, disillusioned by the direction of the company. Vanko was fired for trying to trade company secrets. Some had passed away, the paladin incident had claimed Jaune's parents, as well as-

"Sir, I apologize for my delay, The scanning of Stane's prototype is complete. While hard to penetrate, there are still several flaws in the design..." As Jarvis spoke, Jaune got an idea

Stane lumbered into the room, looking around for Jaune. Spotting the gauntlet, a voice went through the speakers.

"Brings you back, doesn't it?" Stane looked around, unable to locate Jaune. he must have hacked into the facilities speakers. "Working with mom and dad. Teaching me the basics of mechanics when I showed I could comprehend it."

"Good times. Where are you Jauney?"

"You were family, why?" Stane was silent. Only the growing hum of the Arc reactor was heard.

"My parents loved you, I loved you, did any piece of you love me back!?" Jaune's voice cracked with anger. The hurt in his voice gave Obadiah pause. A small part of him, the part that cared, that remembers teaching Jaune how to put together a motorcycle, that held the boy as he cried for his dead mother, forced him to respond.

"Jaune... of course I loved you, that's why I tried to keep you on the path. Than you had to go and 'stop making weapons'. Stop making weapons? You might as well have sliced your neck open. War was the past, War is the present. war will always be the future." The boy was quiet, crackles from the speaker the only evidence he was still there. That humming was starting to irritate Stane. Jaune asked his final question.

"Did you kill my dad?" The question made him audibly sigh. However, it was easy to be honest with this one.

"I didn't kill your father, after what happened that day, however, I took the deal he didn't. You learned a lot from me man, you gotta see this for what it is."

Data came up on Stane's scanner. An energy signal to begin homing in to...

"You tried to rid the world of weapons, and you gave it the best one." Finally his targeting system found him. He Aimed his gatling gun at the spot. "And now, I'm going to kill you with it."

What Stane didn't realize, was that what he thought was Jaune was just the discarded gauntlet, set to activate once Jaune needed it to. Distracted as he opened fire on the area, he didn't see or hear Jaune reactivating his suit. His suit's system was too late to warn him, and Jaune landed on his back. Reaching down below the collar, he found several wires, and tore them out. The targeting system went haywire, forcing Stane to stop shooting, less he hit the Arc Reactor by accident.

He also didn't anticipate Crocea Mors. Jaune slashed at the hand that tried to reach for him. The slash removed the artificial hand, leaving a stump. Stane Activated his thrusters Sending both into the reinforced ceiling. They nearly broke through to the roof. It did however did get Jaune off of his back as both fell back down to the floor. The part of the ceiling they hit fell with them, leaving a mech sized hole at the top.

Stane smashed his fist into Jaune, who rose his shield just in time Jaune made adept slices at Stane. 'He has moves, wait, was he seriously training in that basement with this whole time?!'

Jaune leaped away as Stane smashed down where he had been with his massive arms. Using his stump arm as a bludgeon, he smacked Jaune into the computer. The digital screen went dead as Jaune went straight through it. Stane could see Jaune's eyes glow as he rose in the whole. There was a strange gold glow around him, but Stane shrugged it off. he raised his gatling gun, only to realize Jaune had cut it off at some point. But Stane had enough, He still had one more Rocket.

"What are you gonna do Jauney? That suit can't take another hit like this. But if you wanna try."

He fired as Jaune jettisoned straight at him. The rocket hit dead on, and Stane almost laughed.

Then, Jaune Rocketed out of the fiery smoke, his sword Pointed forward. His helmet gone, with most of his upper armor.

Crocea Mors speared right through the armor- and Obadiah Stane. Both figures were still for the moment, neither quite believing reality.

"H-how?" Stane coughed out.

"Your Arc Reactor is in the suit. Mine is in my chest, it activated my Aura as a side effect."

"ha-ha-dammit." He coughed more. The suits locking system deactivated. Jaune took a hand, and pried the suit open. The metal resisted as Crocea Mors, still impaling Stane, sliced through the metal even more. Stane was unveiled, the blade went through his gut, most likely dug into a lung, as blood flowed out of his mouth. He smiled at Jaune, knowing it was over, he didn't care anymore. "We had fun, didn't we Jaune?"

"Yeah, we did-" Suddenly Obadiah grabbed Jaune with his only hand.

"Set suit to self-destruct." A timer suddenly started. "You and I can die together."

It hurt Jaune, the whole thing felt like a nightmare. He wanted to wake up, but if he was dreaming, than it was his dream. And it didn't end here.

"I don't think so." Blue electricity was suddenly shooting out from the Arc Reactor. Stane seemed to finally realize what he had missed.

"What did you-" Stane coughed again.

"I didn't need to stop you, I just had to buy enough time for dad to do it. The Arc reactor was set to overload before you even came in here."

"NO!"

Blue lightning shot into both of them, Naturally attracted to Stane's suit because of its design, one of the flaws of his armor's composition. Obadiah and Jaune were electrocuted with more energy than either could handle individually.

Obadiah died fast, his body frying to a crisp. Jaune's Aura protected him, but not entirely, the electricity made contact with what little armor was left on his right shoulder. He could feel the bolts licking at his skin, scorching it. His Aura kept him alive as he finally pulled out Crocea Mors.

The lightning supercharged his system and he boosted out of the hole in the ceiling. He looked downward to see Stane's suit get pulled into the reactor. Landing on the far end of the facility he rolled himself down the hill opposite of it.

The Arc Reactor's detonation combined with Stane's self destruct. The facility disappeared in a blinding light.

"Uncle Obie, Where is mom and dad?"

five year old Jaune was small for his age. Dressed in his nightwear, he was already awake when he heard movement downstairs.

Uncle Obie had his suit jacket and tie off. Cigar in his mouth, one hand on the fridge holding it open, the other holding a beer.'

Obadiah was paused. He was only here because he was forced to crash, and it was five minutes away from the research building. Jaune wasn't old enough for adult context, he couldn't know that his 'uncle' was back from a "grown up" party. Howard and Arthur had been convinced by atlas to work on a new war machine. Of course, something came up. Bottom line, Mom and pops weren't home.

"They are out, they have something really important to do. Why are you up Jauney?"

"I had a bad dream."

"About what?" Jaune seemed uncomfortable, not sure what to say.

"Uncle Obie, are the Faunus gonna hurt my mommy and daddy?" Stane had realized what this was about, the funeral. Even Stane couldn't see why They had brought Jaune, maybe as a life lesson? Jaque's youngest daughter wouldn't stop crying.

"Let me tell you something, it will take more than just faunus to put down your old man." Putting his beer and cigar on the kitchen table. He walked over and lifted the child into his arms. Settling Jaune on his hip he moved towards the living room. "I am guessing you want to hear a story about Arc Knights are something?"

"Momma always tells me those."

"Well, how about I tell you about an an old 'fairy tale'? There is one people don't talk of nearly as much, about a man and his magical suit of armor. He didn't need a weapon, because the armor was a weapon."

"What is it called?" Jaune was enthralled.

"It's called Excalibur."

'Goodbye, Uncle Obie.'

"It decimated the facility. Nothing in the room remained. There was no evidence or data left of anything, I wiped everything. When police came, I told them the Arc Reactor malfunctioned during a routine checkup. Stane was at ground zero when the Arc reactor went off. That is at least, the story you know."

Weiss sat on Jaune's bed, slightly disheveled but her composure recovered. Even if the most recent revelation to her life was an unpleasant one.

"It was Mr. Stane...Goddammit." Weiss wasn't happy. She knew Mr. Stane, grew up around him. He spoke to her how she wanted to be spoken too, even if it ired her father.

But she couldn't imagine what it did to Jaune. The man who mentored Jaune practically raised Jaune, tried to kill him for profit. The new deals with her father after Howard Arc's passing made much more sense now.

"Jaune, you didn't answer our question." Ruby reminded Jaune.

"Oh, that's right." Getting off. his bed to stand, he took off his Shirt. Weiss and Ruby gasped, Pyrrha sucked her Breath in.

"Palladium poisoning. The Arc reactor keeps the bomb shards from reaching my heart. However, the reactor in it's current state needs Palladium to power it."

"What's keeping you alive is killing you." Weiss understood immediately.

"Yes, slowly but yes. I think my Aura is slowing it down.

"How long do you have to find a cure?" Ruby asked.

"At least a couple years, maybe more, it depends..."

"Depends on what." Weiss pushed. Her eyes narrowed.

"It depends on how often he suits up." Pyrrha spoke up before he could. "The suit worsens his condition."

Weiss was quick to glare at Pyrrha" You Knew."

"She knows because I told her. I forced her to swear silence." Jaune quickly clarified.

"So that is how Blake made the connection." Ruby said.

"Shit, does she know as well?"

"I don't give a fuck about what that bitch thinks she knows. You are not suiting up anymore." Weiss was still angry. She would be for a while.

"I can't do that Weiss."

"Yes you CAN." She got up in his face again, jabbing his chest hard with every word. "And you WILL, because I will not bury you too."

Ruby came closer to Jaune, she was forward this time. She put her hands on both sides of Jaune's face, turning him to face her. Her expression was thoughtful, full of pain. But there was also a determination, as though this time she could intervene. She could help.

"You have us Jaune. If I was following my sister's leader, do you think I wouldn't follow you? Let us help, don't kill yourself fighting alone. Don't waste your life."

He wasn't sure why those words kept appearing in his life.

10 months before Beacon Initiation

Atlas Military Funeral Service

It was a somber day for the funerals. The bodies of the soldiers were retrieved, and now given a formal burial. The caskets were closed, when the soldiers were found, their remains had been left to rot in the cave. The bodies were taken to hide the ambush. The White Fang cared very little beyond that.

Corporal Azure Ramirez, Sergeant Russet Pratt, Private Jimmy Forest. They weren't the only casualties of that ambush. But their face came to his mind every day. Jaune was able to bring Atlas to the cave, what was left of it at least. He had claimed an unknown assailant did it. Apparently the Vacuo White Fang were going independent. Jaune heard little during his capture, only catching a few words:Taurus, Ten Rings, Mandarin.

The families of the fallen would be well taken care of. If Atlas Didn't see to it Jaune would. He had more money than he would ever spend in his lifetime.

He remembered the last time he was at a funeral like this. He was thirteen and told he was in control of an entire legacy, spanning beyond the Great War. He clenched the sword that day tightly, as his parents were lowered. The urge to pull it out was strong, to to hurt, but to protect. to avenge.

Jaune stood by the picture depicting private forest. His hair dyed black, he wanted to give them privacy and respect. Strange how mothers can see right through you sometimes.

"You knew my boy?" She had asked, dressed in mourning black. Anne Forest was a single mother raising two boys. Jimmy had joined Atlas to help support the home. She would never have to work a day in her life, Jaune made sure. Jaune also knew she would burn every single dollar if it gave her son back. Jimmy had her eyes, and that made eye contact hard, Jaune made the effort

"Yes...he... I knew him for a very short time, all of them. They were good people, better than me." 'They lost their lives for what, billionaire that had no business being in the desert. Saving the man whose weapons murdered their comrades.'

"I am amazed you went through the effort for some grunts Mr. Arc." How she knew he didn't know. He went through special forces level of effort to attend this service without paparazzi. This was for them, he wouldn't dare cheapen it with his presence, like a publicity stunt. He took off the dark sunglasses, forgoing hiding his shame.

"Ma'am I...I am so sorry, we were ambushed. Your son... he gave his life for mine. I... I can't possibly begin to pay back what I owe, to all of them. I owe your son my life, he died a hero, and no words can do that Justice." He expected a slap, for her to spit on him. Give him some kind of verbal lashing. He'd take anything, he deserved it. What she did hurt him far more, she smiled at him.

"My boy was good. Knowing he died, saving others, I couldn't be more proud of him." She pulled out a damaged scroll. She faced it towards him, showing the picture they took mere moments before everything went to hell. "None of us are perfect, but I can tell you are nothing like Jaques Schnee. If you want my son's sacrifice to count... Don't waste your life."

They returned to silence after that. Later that day, as the caskets were lowered, She gripped his hand. He gripped it back gently.

"And he may not have to." The voice was new, but familiar. No one saw him enter the doorway, but Jaune didn't seem suprised.

"Headmaster, you were aware the second I sent in my application."

"Of course, but I had faith in you, and I still do."

"Mr. Ozpin? What the hell..." Ruby swore. Ruby swore. It was archived for later, as Jaune had more important matters.

"I understand this is not a good time under any circumstance, however, I may have a solution. One that could save Jaune's life." He looked right at Jaune. "However, I need his cooperation."

"You were always aware of me. Yet you didn't bother kicking me out." 'Or selling me out.'

"If I had an issue with you Mr. Arc, I wouldn't have let your Bullhead stay in the hanger." 'Do the children think I am that blind?' "I assure you Mr. Arc, You will always have a choice. I only ask you to hear me out."

It was quiet as Jaune gauged the risks.

"My team comes with, If they choose to. I won't lie to them anymore." He looked at Weiss. "In spite of my lies. I always trusted you Weiss. I had comfort knowing you would do the right thing. If I couldn't be fixed."

The three other members of Jasper were unanimous.

"We are right behind you." Pyrrha said.

"If you would follow me. It is better we speak in my office."

"Very well."

The walk to his office is quiet.

When they enter, Jaune knows the other man in the room immediately, so does Weiss.

"So it's true, you really did it." The other occupant in the room opened the talk. Eyes fixated on Jaune's chest light.

"No." Jaune said immediately

"Jaune-" Ozpin started.

"What is he doing here?"

It is here that General Ironwood steps forward.

"I am here because a military prototype rampaged through a public highway. Not much left to retrieve, unfortunately."

"Good." Jaune's reply was short and direct.

"Good?

"The only regret I have is not wiping the data years ago."

"The Paladin was meant to protect people against the Grimm, bandits."

"Until you use it against the White Fang, oppress peaceful protests. Than the radicals steal a couple, the vicious circle continues."

"Enough, I trust him Jaune, Ironwood is an ally." Ozpin said. "Matter of fact, he might be able to help you."

"How? And more importantly, what cost?"Jaune asked.

"First, let me start by asking, how many solutions have you tested for an alternate power source?" The girl's remained quiet as they waited on Jaune's response.

"Every single combination known on the periodic table." Jaune said. "Each was either unsustainable, or would cause the same problem, maybe worse."

Weiss could be heard sucking in a breathe, most likely she intended to look into it after tonight's revelation. He hadn't been able to explain yet that he was trying to fix himself. However, he had no luck. But he couldn't lrt it stop him. If his death was inevitable, he wanted to make his remaining life count.

"What about a new element, not on the table?" Ozpin said. 'What the hell is he talking about?'

"What the hell are you talking about?"

"You know your friend, Penny?" Jaune snorted, realizing the connection fast

"Yeah, she is a very special "girl"."

"So you realized."

"I've been very familiar with weapons my entire life. What she was able to do, that green energy..."

"What are you guys-" Ruby started.

"Penny is an android, her Aura is artificial, She is alive, but not in the same way as us, necessarily." Jaune broke it down. "Is she the solution?"

"Possibly, we achieved what we did with your fathers data, left after his passing. He was breaking through to something revolutionary." General Ironwood spoke highly of his father. "But he was held back by our technological limitations than. He was about to develop a completely new power source, compatible to interface with human beings. Than..."

'Than he died, and no one came close to replicating his work. Life moved on.'

"What's missing is the compatibility part. Jaune, I believe you can bridge the gap. Finish your father's work." Ozpin said as he pointed at the young mans glowing chest. "The Arc reactor in your chest, it should be impossible. Yet you did it in a cave, with a box of scraps. I won't lie to you Jaune, nothing is guaranteed. But...this might just save your life."

Weiss let out a gasp. Knowing there was still a fighting chance for Jaune charged her with hope. The same effect occuring for the other two.

Jaune was quiet, his team was quiet as well. All three women on the team had their stare fixated on Jaune. They waited for his word.

"What if I don't want to work with you?" Jaune fought mechanized war machines, fanatic terrorists. Blocking Weiss's slap before it made contact was easy. "You keep this up, I'll have to call you snow kitten."

She hissed at him again. "You are not saying no. This is your life we are talking about."

"I did not fight the past year to make the same mistakes." He looked back at Ozpin. "What do you want out of this? You said we were allies."

"I want to build trust with you. Whether you realize it or not, a shadow war is being fought. Ancient forces are fighting to destroy everything humanity has managed to build. You were involved the moment you were born. You have seen her evil firsthand, with Stane. Our goals align Jaune, I won't force you at gunpoint. You are free to go, free to stay, free to continue your current double life. If my students are involved, I will do my best to help them. But work with me, and we can save far more people."

Jaune was quiet again. He felt a hand in his, looking over, Weiss now held his hand. It wasn't a forceful grip, but a supporting one. Smiling at her, he then stared hard at Ironwood.

"I am not making war machines for you. Whatever your concept of peace is, you clearly can't trust your people. You trust someone that can't be trusted."

"Jaune, I have no intention of asking you to do such a thing, and I already found the worm, and took care of him." Ironwood had his hands up in. a passive gesture. "I am not so stupid, as to think I could convince you."

"All that I want to know, is your intentions: What do you want?"

Jaune stared at Ironwood. One could mistake the silence for hesitation, but when he spoke, there was none.

"Peace in our time."

The team entered their room that night quietly. Jaune asked everybody else to go first in getting ready for bed. No one argued. The battles of the day were fought, from outside and within. There were still problems, but there was a light in the darkness.

Ruby had gone first. She was quite quick actually. Exiting the bathroom in her pajamas, She gave Jaune a firm hug, that he returned, before she conked out.

Pyrrha was next, followed by Weiss. Weiss exited in a solid white nightgown, going down to her knees. Her hair was let down, untied, bangs falling over her face. She touched Jaune's chin as he sat on his bed in deep thought. He smiled at her, before getting up for his turn.

He didn't see Weiss stare after his back. Pyrrha saw, she sat up by her headboard, watching the two interact. Weiss took Jaune's place on his bed, staring at Pyrrha.

Jaune entered the shower. As soon as they heard the showerhead go, Weiss began.

"You knew." Pyrrha felt guilty, but stayed firm.

"It hurt to lie, but I promised him."

"Even when it was killing him?" Enough with the secrets. "We should have known. We could have gone to the headmaster sooner. Now we have less time to save him."

"Jaune didn't know who to trust-"

"Jaune thinks killing himself will right every wrong. He is a genius, but he is a bleeding heart, and he will bleed himself dry. Don't you see it?"

"He is trying to do the right thing."

"It certainly is going right for you."

"What?"

"He told you first. He had to trust you. Perfect opportunity for you to snake under the armor. While he is still emotionally compromised."

Pyrrha couldn't believe the change. This girl, several months ago, wanted her partnership, her friendship. Now Weiss was ready to maim. She reminded Pyrrha of her fiercest opponents in the arena.

But this was an all too different kind of battle.

"You love him." Pyrrha stated.

"We grew up together. Playmates while daddy was in meetings. My father, he sent me away. He didn't care for our friendship. Than Jaune's parents died, and he was alone. Stane his only influence." She looked down. "I was ashamed for leaving him, when he needed me."

Pyrrha was silent at the confession. She decided to give her own. "He was the first person to really talk to me. I can't imagine how Beacon would be without him."

Weiss was masterful at sounding gentle,yet rough.

"I can tell you love him, genuinely, but I have known him for years. I know how you actually felt that first day, when I asked to be your partner. I genuinely wanted to try, but I saw you didn't want to. You saw the SDC like everyone else." Her smile is melancholy. "Than he struts in, and you are entranced, because he sees you foryou." Weiss wasn't wrong, she clearly knew the feeling.

"Right now, the priority is his life. We both want him alive. Once he is fixed, than we can go at each other proper. However this plays out, He will live. And either way, I won't give him up without a fight."

"Likewise." Pyrrha said.

The shower shut off, and Jaune soon exited the bathroom. A simple T-shirt and pants were all he wore. No more armor, the Arc reactor glowed under it.

Weiss and Pyrrha were in bed. The lights were off. Good, this day needed to end. Tomorrow was a new beginning for Team Jasper.

A part of him dreaded the future. But he was more relieved that his team had his back. There were going to be issues. Fights everytime he suits up. But they will work through it. he recalled the question asked as they left the Headmasters office.

"Jaune, you want peace in our time. How are you going to do it?" Ruby had asked. Jaune smiled at his team.

Pulling a picture from underneath his pillow, admiring it one more time. The only relic left from the ARC facility. He took in the faces, the legacy he carried.

"A suit of armor, around the world."

In a world only the godless know, where only grimm survive and thrive. In a castle, made from unnatural means, within a spacious lab, a man watches amateur footage of the vigilante known as Iron Knight engaging the Paladin prototype. Not at all to his shock, the paladin falls. A dark, ancient presence enters the room, as the man replays the footage.

"It appears the boy has shown his potential." The presence speaks.

"hmm." For once, the man did not offer sarcastic snark. Only silence as he watched the video intently. She had to be a fool not to notice the shift when the Iron Knight started showing up a year ago. It was amusing, more than anything Ozpin has put forward in recent times.

"I can see he motivated you to try it yourself." The purple armor in the corner isn't hidden. There was no point in hiding anything from her. It could function, but he was not done with it yet, there were clearly adjustments to be made. Stane had given him the data that the could receive. The prototype Stane used had potential, but was so... flawed. The boy's was much better, and he will only grow from here. Of course, imitation is the greatest form of flattery

"Do not let your personal feeling overcome you Watts, I made that mistake long ago." She spoke harshly, but with wisdom."If the boy was willing to kill Stane, he will kill you."

The man doesn't respond, he knows she is correct.

Salem left the room. Arthur Watts rewinded the video, he paused at the best moment he could find from amateur video. For the first time in years, he pulls out an old photo. It was taken before the paladin incident. Consisting of most of the science team from that time, Howard and Obadiah were center, himself right by Howard. Right in front of their legs, and the rest of the "Family", was a young Jaune Arc. He turned the photo, to read the old note once more.

"A suit of armor, around the world" - Howard A.

"Jauney, what will you make next?"

Author's note: By all that is holy, it is finished. I can't wait for the QA chapter to vent on this one.TLDR: Writers block, personal issues, a fic I was reading finished, and it wrecked me.I don't say this to excuse myself, only to explain myself. There were days I just didn't work on it, and it's no one responsibility but mine.On the plus side, this is not only the first chapter to break 20k words, it is the largest at 25k. It will hold that record for a long time if I have anything to say/write about it. It also means Jaune Who? has broke the 50k mark in overall word count.You can probably see the theme now. Don't worry, I am going to change it up after the next two.This thing was an abomination, but if you are entertained, it was worth it. If I got a single chuckle or tear, that is a victory.Thank you as always, for your time, your attention, Your critique will only help.-Timing.