"No, not here..."
He moved to another shelf.
"No, not here either..."
His fingers traced across their spines, none matching what he was looking for.
"Where is it..?
He looked lower.
"Not- Wait, there it is!"
Jaune grabbed the book, pulling it from the shelf before shooting up. He walked as quickly as he could to one of the tables that allowed for people to read at. He had already claimed a seat for himself, the small stack of books easily standing out, so he slid back to the seat and scooted back under the table.
He placed the book down, revealing the title.
"'The History of Remnant'." He read off. "If there's any kind of answer, it has to be here."
The young man flipped past the cover and started to skim each page. The book was massive with hundreds of pages but the answer had to be there somewhere. None of the other books made any mention of why but there had to be a reason somewhere. There had to be some kind of answer as to how the power shifted.
'Boys can't have Aura!'
His mother's words still rang in his ear. How was that possible where men couldn't call upon the protection of the soul? How was it that women had become the superior species?
As he looked through each page, the divide between the two genders was apparent in just about everything, even to the basics of physicality. Women not only were seen as the stronger of the two but were also scientifically advanced.
Documents, transcripts, scrolls, inventions, discoveries, all of them were female dominated. The very records of time were now written by women. Some of the most important pieces of history that were done by males were now replaced with female counterparts. Warriors who led great battles were now women. Scientists who discovered life changing medicines, inventions, and even Grimm studies, all women. Even the most renowned philosophers. Women.
'What caused all of this..?'
He continued flipping, searching, desperate for an answer. Then, he found it. The reason behind it all. The point in history that rewrote everything he knew into this upside down world he now stood in.
The Great Cataclysm.
Before the Four Great Kingdoms came to be, as the Grimm pushed humanity into the darkness, a Great Cataclysm came on a night between summer and winter. This event altered the physiology of women and granted them the divine protection of their souls, come to be known as aura.
"What!?" Jaune shouted.
"Shhh!"
He looked around to see several people glaring at him, one of the librarians included. Flushed with embarrassment, he huddled back to the book and continued to read.
With this new power, the women of humanity became smarter and stronger. With this strength, they drove the forces of evil, the Grimm, back into the wastelands and held them there long enough for the kingdoms' walls to rise.
Jaune knitted his brows. 'The same could be said about my history. There were few women who fought during that time and there was never such a clear cut between equality. So what had been the cause for men to have become so subservient?'
The Kingdom of Vale's First Queen led her people into an age of prosperity. As she came to power, dethroning the initial King, she created an ideology. Men were inferior, holding no power to protect the people. Women, however, did, thus making them superior to their counterparts. In doing so, it set a rift between man and woman. Women were the protectors and the heads of the houses. Men were the nurturers and caretakers, helping create the next generation of female leaders and defenders of humanity.
The book was slammed shut and Jaune immediately pulled himself from the table. The initial shock of the revelation had forced him to his feet, and faded as soon as he was up, leaving him with confusion and more questions, rather than answers.
He looked down at his hand, calling forth his soul. He could feel its power flowing through him and then he pushed more for his Semblance. His hand began to glow white, bright and pure as the day he first discovered it. He recalled it before anyone could notice but it was more than enough to justify his confusion.
If all men couldn't use aura, why was he able to? It wasn't his own body but his past self's. Not only that but his Aura was already unlocked and he could use his Semblance without any proper training. His body wasn't as strong as it was before, nor was it as fast, or as durable. So why? Could there be other men who could use Aura or was it only him?
Why had he come here after making that last stand in his time? What happened to Ren and Nora? What happened with Team RWBY and their fight against Salem?
What was that catalyst and what had caused this rift in time? Why had he been sent back? How had he been sent back?
What was he?
"Guess I owe mom and dad an apology," he muttered, all of those questions still plaguing his mind. It wasn't his parents fault that they didn't know of his "situation". This time it wasn't because they didn't believe in his capabilities to be a Huntsman. No, now it was because, in this world, a man couldn't be a Huntsman.
Without the divine protection of one's soul, no matter how hard they trained, one would never be able to reach the strength, the speed, or the endurance that Aura provided. That was required of the defenders of humanity. And it would only be a matter of time before they were killed. A blurry line between idiotic and hopeless.
Still, Jaune reminded himself that he wasn't like his fellow man. He had Aura. He could fight. He knew what the future held, even with all the changes in the past. He could still make a change.
But first he would have to...
'Guess I'll owe mom another apology then.'
And, like his past self, he began to plan to run away once more. Back to Beacon. Back to his team and...he wondered if Ozpin was still the headmaster.
And there was one other problem.
"Wait...what day is it again?" He pulled out his scroll to check the date. When he saw it, his eyes widened to the size of saucers. He fell to his hands and knees, scroll clattering on the ground, the date in big letters and numbers. "Damn it... It's too late to send in an application..."
What was he going to do now? There was no way now to send in a regular application. Let alone the forged one he had sent in before.
Damn it! Damn it! Damn-
Ring!
"!"
Jaune jumped from the sudden chiming of his scroll. He was in the middle of his momentary existential crisis. He couldn't even sulk in proper peace. He really hated this new world.
So, he stood back up, ignorant of the onlookers, and picked up his scroll to see who it was that interrupted his moment.
He raised a brow at the person that popped up. 'Rose?' It was his twin sister. She never called him, usually preferring to just text.
He answered and held the scroll to his ear. "Hello?"
"Ooh, it's so good to hear ya voice again, hun..."
Jaune's heart sunk into his stomach. There was a brief moment of surprise but it immediately melted into anger. His blood began to boil and his fist tightened, threatening to shatter the device in his hand, as he realized just who had called him.
"Where's Rose!?" Jaune demanded.
"Now now, darlin', that's no way to talk to a lady."
"You're no lady..." He growled, pulling the scroll back to attempt tracking his sister's. It was then he realized his scroll hadn't been updated to a Huntsman scroll that allowed him to.
"Don't blow a gasket, dear, it wouldn't do for a pretty face like yours," Lil' Miss continued, choosing to ignore his tone. "Your sister is fine, just a little roughed up, she's a damn good fighter. And she'll stay fine, so long as ya do exactly what I tell ya."
Jaune's nails dug into the palm of his skin, threatening to draw blood. He wanted to tell her to piss off, that she can take her little deal and shove it somewhere the light didn't shine. He wanted to storm that dirty hotel and tear it to the ground before showing that woman who he was. But they had his sister and he did not know what was in plan for her if he didn't do as she said.
He growled, the familiar feeling of causing problems for others resurfacing after so many years.
"Fine..."
He could practically hear the shit eating grin split the woman's face.
"That's a good boy~."
-XOXOX-
Boom!
The door was kicked open. The two henchwomen flinched but Lil' Miss simply smiled. As Jaune strode in with two more henchwomen appeared behind him, the look of fury on his face only made her smile grow wider.
"I'm here now," he said with barely contained rage. "Where. Is. My. Sister?"
Lil' Miss snapped her fingers. One of the women moved over to a side door. She opened it before stepping inside and, seconds later, dragging out a person. The blonde hair was unmistakable. Her hands and legs were both bound and she looked up to reveal the very same sapphires Jaune had.
"Jaune! What are you doing here!?" She cried out.
There were a few scratches and bruises across her face, arms, and neck. It would only take a day for her Aura to heal the injuries and yet, his blood continued to boil. For now, however, he smiled lovingly at his sister.
"It's okay, Rose. I'm here to take you home," he replied.
His twin wasn't convinced. "What!? This was a trap, Jaune! They ambushed me and used me as bait! You need to run, you're no match for them!"
Jaune decided to ignore his sister and turn back to the woman behind the desk. The smug look on her face made him want to punch it right off. There were only four goons; the one by Rose, the one behind the thorn in his side, and the two behind them. They, more than likely, had their Auras unlocked but lacked proper training. Lil' Miss, however, more than likely had and he had no idea how good she was. One didn't run a criminal empire without some kind of skill, even in his timeline. She had underestimated him during their last encounter and that was what had allowed him to escape. Now, however, he knew there would be a fight. And, while his hand to hand was decent, he was still in this weak body and without Crocea Mors.
"So, do you remember our deal?" Lil' Miss asked.
Jaune closed his eyes, releasing a deep sigh. "Yes..."
"Yes, who?"
He growled. "Yes... ma'am."
"Good boy. Nova, release the girl," Lil' Miss waved off.
"Yes ma'am," the goon replied.
"Jaune, don't do this! I can take care of myself," Rose tried to argue. She went to try and move but she winced from her injuries and her Aura only sparked, having not recovered yet. "Please... just run. Leave me..."
His eyes never left the hefty woman's. "Sorry, no can do, Sis. It's my job as the older brother to protect you."
"You're only older by two minutes! And it's my job to-. Gahhh!"
Rose was cut off as the goon kicked her. Jaune saw red and rushed over, cocking his fist back. The woman barely had time to look up before his punch connected to her jaw. He released a raw, primal scream as he sent the henchwoman into the wall, shattering the picture and cracking the wall. She fell to the ground, looking back at him through pained eyes, holding the cheek he struck. She didn't even have any time to raise her Aura, severely underestimating how fast he could have moved. Or how hard he could hit. She proved his power by turning her head and spitting a glob of blood onto the wood.
His sister's jaw dropped but Jaune didn't even notice it as he turned back to the blonde behind him who had yet to move from her seat.
"If anyone else touches my sister, you won't be getting what you want," he snarled, patience at its wits end.
The gang head only chuckled and, in doing so, eased the other goons' tension and had them chuckling as well. "Fair 'nough. Nova, try again, and this time be gentle. Ya hear?"
The tone sounded sweet but the woman knew better. She nodded her head and lifted herself from the floor to try again. This time, her eyes stayed fixed on the blonde boy's and he watched her, daring her to test him twice. It seemed she understood where everyone else still thought little of him.
"You're quite the special boy, sweetie."
"I'm no different from any other man," he shot back, his eyes still on Nova. "I will not allow anyone to hurt my family."
"Is that right?" She hummed.
The bounds were eventually undone and Rose was lifted to her feet. She looked ready to argue again, ready to do something completely stupid. Jaune knew this because he knew his twin all too well. She was just like him in so many ways, probably even more now due to her trying to carry the Arc legacy. So, he shot her an Atlas-level chilling gaze that made the words choke in her throat.
"Go home, Rose."
It was not a request. It was an order.
The younger twin had been completely blindsided by her brother's tone. In fact, everything about him now was different. Sure, he had this hidden charisma but never had he possessed an ounce of authority. Let alone the waves of it she was feeling wash of him. He was goofy, funny, shy, humble, a man! She saw none of these things now. She saw power, courage, authority, and confidence.
Then she remembered. "Wait! Crocea Mors!"
Jaune's eyes widened and he turned back to Lil' Miss. The leader smirked before reaching down under her table. She pulled up the ancestral weapon, the very same weapon that had been passed down through several Arc generations, and slammed it on the desk.
"You mean this ole thing?"
"Yes, give it back."
"Mmm... I don't think I will."
Jaune took a step forward. "What..?" His tone was teetering on the edge of blistering hot.
"Ya see, your darlin' lil sister gave a few of my ladies quite the trouble when they asked her to come withem," Lil' Miss started to explain. She snapped her fingers and the other henchwoman behind her moved forward. She handed the woman the sword as she continued. "So, I'll be taking this as payment for the trouble. But, I'm a generous lady, so, if you work hard and play nice, maybe I'll give it back."
The women around him giggled perversely. The implication was clear. "That wasn't part of the deal," Jaune snapped back.
"I have changed the deal," Lil' Miss retorted. "Pray I do not change it further, darlin'."
Jaune clenched his hands into fists. "Return it now or there is no deal." Crocea Mors was the Arc family's heirloom. It had protected many Arc warriors through centuries of battle and strife. And he'd be damned if he was going to leave it in the hands of someone unfit to even gaze upon its steel.
The older woman snorted. "Is that right?" Rose was shoved out of the room and the door was slammed shut. Her eyes then met both women and they shared a look to each other before stepping forward.
"Do I already have to show you what happens when you disobey?" She asked, feigning disappointment, the following sadistic excitement that plastered her face proving that. "I do love breaking a boy's pride, like yaself, who plays hard to get. The ladies love boys who bite back. I'm sure you'll fetch some good coin."
The women grabbed Jaune by both of his shoulders and attempted to pull him away. He called forth his Aura and grabbed both henchwomen's hands before twisting his body, shoulder tossing one of them and hip tossing the other. He slammed one into the ground, cracking the floorboard, and threw the other across the room and through the side door.
'Guess this body still has some strength, at least.'
The blonde knight turned back to the other gang member to see she had dropped Crocea Mors and chose to charge him. Lil' Miss, herself, finally stood, smirk gone with an annoyed look on her face.
He focused his attention on the latter, watching her throw a punch straight for his face. It was nowhere near as fast as Yang's. He sidestepped the attack and countered it with a clothesline, catching her underneath her arm and across her neck, wrapping his fist around her opposite shoulder. With a grunt at shifting her momentum, he sent the goon flying back into Lil' Miss. The older woman dodged, much more agile than Jaune gave her credit for, but it was a long enough distraction for him to rush forward and retrieve Crocea Mors.
He pulled the blade from its sheath and turned the sheath into its shield form. He stared at the pristine steel, the same that had been with him since the start of the journey to his end. It still held the warmth of familiarity to him, even as he knew it wasn't his. But there would be no time for tears as the henchwoman around him finally began to regain themselves. And, judging by that fan in Lil' Miss' hand, he would assume she was also joining the fight.
Too bad for them. They had a slim chance with him unarmed. Now, that small percentile was zero.
The former Huntsman took his stance, as he had many, many times before. He made sure to face Lil' Miss as he lifted his shield to just below his eyes.
Smirk hidden but with a smug glint in his eyes, he said, "Let's alter the deal, hm?"
-XOXOX-
Rose was shoved out of the building. She stumbled but kept on her feet. The sun had already set and the night welcomed her. There were very few passersby but they paid her little mind, many simply just ignoring her. She didn't care as she turned around to see the woman who escorted her out leaning against the door's frame.
"Beat it, kid. Your brother's as good as Miss' property now." Then she smirked. "Maybe after she's done, I'll have him warm my bed tonight."
And then she cackled, spinning around and walking back into the establishment. The door slammed shut, the sound echoing almost mockingly to her.
Rose felt a dark pit open up within her. Her brother, her twin brother, had sacrificed himself to save her. His innocence, his chastity, they were about to be taken from him. All because she was weak and allowed herself to be captured. It should have been her. She should have been the one who stayed. She was a woman, it was her duty to protect her sweet, gentle brother.
Why? Why did it have to be him..?
"What're you doing? I thought I told you to head home first."
Rose blinked twice, her mourning put on pause, and she looked up. Standing over her was her brother, looking untouched. Jaune stared back down, a brow raised in confusion. At his hip, Crocea Mors was strapped, settled at his side.
Slowly, she got to her feet, Jaune helping her up.
"B-B-But, h-how!?"
The boy could only smile. "What can I say? I'm very persuasive."
Crack!
"But... They... You..."
Crack!
"Lil' Miss is one heck of a negotiator but she's just a tad rusty."
Crack!
"But how could you get away! They were going to... to..."
Crack! Crumble!
And that was when that annoying sound in the background reached her ears. Looking past her brother, she, along with many others who were walking past, watched as the Spider's headquarters began to cave in on itself. The sound of wood splitting and metal bending filled the silent street as they watched the, originally five story building, collapse in on itself. She could see the lights inside flickering and she was damn sure there were still people inside.
Rose's jaw dropped.
"Come on, dad's making sloppy joes tonight," Jaune stated as he walked past her, completely ignoring the falling facility behind him. He even started whistling a tune as he walked away.
Rose turned to him, grabbing his wrist. "Wait, how did you-. What did you-."
Jaune stopped and there was a long pause. The very demeanor he held did not sit right with her. Then he looked over his shoulder and her heart nearly stopped. There was that same chilling look in his eyes that sent a shiver up her spine, locking her in place. But once he focused and saw it was her, the look vanished and was quickly replaced with a reassuring eye smile.
"No one messes with my friends and family. That's all."
And he turned away to continue walking. Rose hesitated a moment longer, looking back at the forming wreckage, before deciding to follow once more.
"Oh yeah, how are your injuries?" Jaune asked after a few minutes of walking.
Huh, that was interesting. You'd think that after all that she would still be hurting and her Aura would be low but still recovering and starting to heal her injuries.
...
...
...
And that was when Rose realized. Her injuries were gone and her Aura felt renewed.
"What the fu-."
"Language!"
Yeah, I'm having too much fun with this