Ayyyyeeeeee

That's all I got

"Ninety-seven!"

Jaune grunted as the sweat was pouring.

"Ninety-eight!"

His arms burned even more, feeling the end near.

"Ninety-nine!"

One more. He needed just one more.

"One-hundred!"

With a final push and grunt, Jaune lifted himself from the floor. He was covered in sweat, so much so that he was practically glistening in the sun. His muscles were screaming at him, sore, burning, and everything else that fell under the word pain.

It was necessary though. Everything he did was necessary for what had to come. With the deadline having passed for Beacon's application, there was only one other thing that would capture the attention of Ozpin and get him in.

A feat worth catching the eye of that old wizard.

He'd worry about that, however, when he got to Vale. It had only been a month since he had come to this new world and upon doing so, he had realized several things. The first was his abysmal strength. It was just as bad as when he initially cheated his way into Beacon. How he had been able to block attacks against Cardin and that heavy mace were beyond him because this, this wouldn't cut it if he was to save the world. It was why he was trying to get the ball rolling on building his physique. If anything, he was going to be somewhat better than tall, blonde, and scraggly. He still had another month or so before the entrance ceremony, so there was still something to work with.

What concerned Jaune the most, however, was his mother. Ever since the situation with Rose, she had been very suspicious of him. His dad had been extremely concerned with how late he had stayed out but his mother stayed silent. He had made sure he gave nothing away with what he had gone through and he had even healed Rose's injuries. She hadn't even said anything and promised him she would tell no one about what happened. And sure, the incident had appeared on the news the next morning, but he hadn't been around for it nor did he leave any clues that he was there.

His mother, however, stayed suspicious of him. Even now, as he trained in the open spaces of the fields outside their home, he could feel her gaze at the back of his head. He had given the excuse that he wanted to improve his health and look better but he could tell she didn't buy it. Simply because she had come up to him and asked him if he was still training to try and become a Huntsman. He would deny it but she had always been able to see through his lies, even in his time. It was truly a surprise she had yet to try and call him on it.

"Hey Jaune!" A voice called out to him.

The boy looked down from the lone tree he had been doing pull ups on. He saw Rose looking up at him. Crocea Mors was strapped to her side, having been returned to her before coming home after the incident. It had also been since then that he had trained with it, seeing as his mom was keeping a close watch on him.

He jumped down from the tree, landing a few feet from her. "Sup, little sis," he teased with a grin.

She folded her arms. "Only by two minutes!"

The grin on his face turned toothy. "Two minutes, two seconds, two hours, I'm still older."

"Whatever," she rolled her eyes. "There's something I've been meaning to ask you."

Now this wiped the smirk off of Jaune's face. By the tone she used and the way she repeatedly glanced back at the house, he gathered just where the conversation was going. Albeit, it was only a matter of time and he did suspect she would put the pieces together.

So, with an easy step to the left, the knight had removed himself from his mother's sight.

"So what's up."

"You have it, don't you..?" Rose asked.

Jaune raised a lone brow. "You'll have to be more specific."

"You know what I'm talking about!"

"Do I?"

"Jaune!"

He grinned again. "Alright, alright. Yes, I have aura."

Originally, he had planned to keep this secret until he got to Beacon but Lil' Miss had ruined that plan when she went after his sister. Then, he thought that maybe she would write it off as him getting lucky or something of similar assumption but, eventually, even he found that idiotic and come to accept that she would put the pieces together. She may be goofy but she wasnt an idiot and keeping something as unique as him having aura a secret was not going to be easy. Especially when the second biggest gang in Mistral had their eyes on you because their leader was a perverted child predator. Luckily, if there was anyone he could trust to keep his secret, until he was ready, it would be his twin sister.

Rose grew closer to him. "How!?"

He shrugged helplessly. "I don't even know." When she looked at him skeptical, he held his hands out openly. "I'm serious. I don't know how. I just felt it and used it."

"What!? You mean no one even unlocked it?"

"No," he replied, shaking his head. "And even if I asked someone, would they really even try?"

Rose had to admit, that was a good point.

"What about how you used Crocea Mors? I have never seen anyone use it like you. Not even Rogue was at that level when grandma was training her," Rose continued. "I mean, I've never seen you even pick up a sword let alone swing one! And yet you, you-."

"Like I said, I'm a very persuasive guy," he replied with an eye smile. "How I got good is still my trade secret."

"Fine. But what about my injuries!? I know my aura didn't do that! So how? How can you..?"

Jaune chuckled as his sister continued on. If there was one thing that stayed the same with Rose, it was her undying thirst to bug him. But he was happy for it. Happy that she was still herself. A little more muscle-y, just like their mother, but still his Rose at the core.

"Pull out Crocea Mors."

The younger sibling paused and looked at him curiously. He nodded his head and she did as she was told and pulled the blade from its sheath. Jaune held out his hands and she placed it in his hands, flat of the blade resting in his palms. He took his thumb and ran it across the flat side. He could only smile, taking in the original craftsmanship of the ancestral weapon. It shined brilliantly in the sun and the hilt didn't feel as worn as she had once before.

Who knew he would be the Arc to break the blade that had never dulled. Nor had he expected to take a life with it either. His smile slipped as he remembered his first time killing someone. She hadn't even been "alive" a full day and, yet, she had to die for some "greater purpose".

"Jaune..?" Rose spoke up.

Realizing where he was, his eyes focused back on his sister before him. She looked worried and he concluded that he had zoned out for a time.

"Sorry, just making sure she doesn't need any care," he replied, grinning at her. "Gods forbid you go and break the family heirloom."

His twin scoffed. "As if!"

Jaune chuckled again. Then he took the same thumb that had been rubbing the blade and ran it across the edge, slicing it open.

Rose moved immediately. "Jaune, what the hell!?" She snatched his hand in one of hers before taking Crocea Mors away with the other.

"What?"

"What do you mean, what!? You just-." She paused. There was no cut on his thumb. No signs of any scars or marks. Only the trail of blood still dripping. "H-How?"

"My Semblance, of course," he replied easily.

"Semblance!? You have your Semblance already!?" She scream whispered.

"Yup." He replied, popping the "P".

"That's not fair! I don't even have mine!"

"There are plenty of veteran Huntresses that never got theirs. It's okay if you don't, I'll still love you all the same."

"Jaune!"

He chuckled more even as she started to playfully hit him in the arm. It reminded him of how much he missed his sister. How much he missed his family and all the good memories they held together. It was hard having not seen them for so many years. It would be even harder when he would have to leave them again.

"So, what are you going to do?" Rose asked.

The question made Jaune raise a brow. "What do you mean?"

Rose rolled her eyes. "You know what I mean, Jaune. You're the first guy in all of Remnant's history to have aura. Plus, with your swordsmanship, it's pretty obvious what you're planning to do. Only question is, what are you gonna do now."

The knight casted a glance to his side. "I have no idea what you mean."

"Bullshit."

"Hey, language," he chastised. "It's unladylike."

"Cry me a river. I still remember your constant badgering of wanting to be a Huntsman from when we were kids and how you proclaimed you'd bring honor to the family."

Now this made Jaune flush with embarrassment. At least his past self hadn't changed too much. Always wanting to be the hero despite everyone trying to dissuade him or, blatantly, cut him down. It was still reassuring to hear that he still wanted to be a hero like his great great grandfather...er, great great grandmother now.

"It's what I've always wanted to do," he replied with a small smile. It was what he had become good at. Albeit, now, he could do all of his slip ups over. He could be better.

"Haaah..." Rose released a sigh. "What am I going to do with you..?"

"Eheheh." He rubbed the back of his side with an awkward chuckle.

"So, when do you plan to leave?"

"At the end of next week."

In his past life, he would have left a month prior. Before, he had little money and had to backpack through several villages before he reached the kingdom. How he ran into no Grimm was nothing short of a miracle. But now, after his run in with Lil' Miss, he had more than enough funds to simply take a ship into the city. It would be a day's journey but he would have a week or so to do something eye-catching enough for Ozpin to notice. And, remembering Team RWBY's stories on their fights with Roman Torchwick, it was only a matter of time before he found something.

"Well, despite how good you are with her, you can't take Crocea Mors. Mom will have both our asses if I tell her you took it and ran off."

Oh damn, he forgot. His sisters were all badass Huntresses now. Or ones in training. And he couldn't take his twin's weapon. He loved Crocea Mors as it had been with him from the beginning to the end but it just wouldn't be fair to Rose.

Seemed he'd come across another obstacle to overcome.

"But, I know of another weapon that won't be too out there for you to adjust to," she continued, smirking at Jaune's surprised expression. "Do you remember dad's secret crate in the basement?"

Jaune nodded his head. His dad had such a crate from his time but it had mostly been filled with books and old pictures from his earlier years as a Huntsman. It was also where Crocea Mors had originally been stored.

"Well, his old family weapon is in there as well. None of us really wanted to use it but, seeing how you're getting all jacked now, it might be a better suit for you. Besides, it's more modern than this old stabby stick," Rose explained, patting Crocea Mors.

"Hey, that 'stabby stick' has protected our family for centuries. I wouldn't talk bad about her or you'll hurt her feelings."

She rolled her eyes playfully. "Whatever." Then she looked to the ground and he could feel the air become more solemn as a temporary silence fell over. "...You could come to Haven Academy with me. I'm sure they'd accept you once they hear that you have aura."

The corner of Jaune's lips stretched. "Sorry, little sis, but I'm needed elsewhere. Besides, if I went with you, I'd be in range of mom's wrath and I'd rather not have my head crushed in. I mean, have you seen those biceps?"

Rose couldn't help as she giggled. He rubbed her head affectionately, something he hadn't done since they were kids. And while she hated it back then, seeing as they wouldn't be seeing each other for a time, she decided to let him have it. And she would never verbally admit to actually enjoying the sign of affection.

-XOXOX-

Several more days passed and the Arc household moved on as it normally did. Jaune continued his training, even secretly showing Rose the techniques he learned, and he spent his remaining days with his little sisters as much as he could.

Lady Arc had still kept an eye on him but had pulled back much of the suspicion she held on him earlier. As he simply continued to build his strength and endurance, and keeping his mouth shut about any Huntsman activity, she slowly began to talk openly with him. It also helped that he went to the library more often to continue to learn of its history and picked up several video games that his mother had given him money for.

It was a very jarring moment for Jaune as he usually had to beg for money from his dad before. It was what made him slightly envious of his sisters because all they had to do was ask and give him the big puppy dog eyes.

Of course, with the gender roles practically flipped, it would seem that being mommy's little boy had some perks outside of public embarrassment and cheek pinches at the ripe time in every young adult's life of teenage awkwardness. When the last thing they wanted was to be treated like they were still a child.

However, none of that was the primary focus now as today was the day of his escape. He could definitely say that he was excited that the day had finally arrived but it was also saddening that, once again, he was leaving his family. Granted, this time he would send a letter that would let them know he was safe and sound. It still didn't make it hurt any less that he was going behind their backs a second time, even despite the fact it was for a greater purpose.

But, first, he needed to head into the basement and grab his new weapon. So, just like before, he waited until his parents tuckered themselves out the only way Arc's did and snuck through the side door in the kitchen that led into the basement.

It was the same layout as the last time. Or, at least, similar due to there being much less boxes around. Maybe Lady wasn't one for holding on to useless junk like his dad. It was lucky for him either way, seeing as the crate he was looking for was easy to spot in the middle of the room. It was bigger than the original and had already been left open, no doubt Rose helping him out. That was good as the less noise the better.

So, with careful steps, he made his way over, sliding the top off. He moved it to the side, careful not to make a sound, and peered into the box.

His eyes widened at what met him and he couldn't stop the excitement that bristled at his fingertips as he reached inside. It was heavy, heavier than Crocea Mors, but not by much. Crescent Rose was heavier than this.

He held his new weapon in his hands, marveling at the work that rivaled that of Crocea Mors.

The length was much longer, roughly one-hundred and sixty-five centimeters with a blade so sharp despite its obvious lack of use. The hilt was, or should have been, beautiful if it wasn't for its lack of care being shown. It was a dull gold, with two spherical orbs on both sides of the guard, one blue and one red, and a purple gem on the end of the pommel in the shape of a diamond.

He was no less than stunned by the claymore.

How had he not found this before? Where had his dad kept this hidden? Crocea Mors was dear to him but this...it was unfair that this was locked away. It should have been a crime to have kept it down here and not given the love and care it deserved.

Deciding to be thorough, Jaune looked back into the crate once more and came upon the equally large sheath. He pulled it out and, to his biggest surprise, it was extremely light. It weighed almost nothing in his hand to the point he held it easily in the one. What was even curiouser was the switch he saw on the flat side of the sheath.

He pushed it up and the scabbard shifted in a large shield, slightly longer than Crocea Mors. While Crocea Mors had been a heater shield, this was more akin to a kite shield. And, on the front, was a picture of a dragon. Not even a Grimm dragon, a dragon-dragon, like the ones from fairy tales.

He flipped the switch back the other way and the shield shifted again, this time into a bow. An actual bow! There was a grip, a back, a limb, and a string. There was even a sight to help with aim. He checked the crate for arrows but found none. What was he supposed to shoot with?

"If you're looking for arrows, just rub one of the sword's dust stones down the string." Came a voice from the stairs.

Jaune damn near jumped out of his skin, having not even heard the footsteps. He turned back to the entrance to see his dad standing there. He was dressed in his nightly robes with a pair of blue bunny slippers. He would have chuckled at his dad's interesting sleepwear if the situation was any different.

"Dad, I was just..."

"It's alright. I expected this sooner or later," he replied, making his way down the steps.

Jaune's heart sank. Had he really been that obvious? And if his dad saw through his facade, did that mean his mom wasn't far behind?

"Your mother doesn't know," Nicholas answered, as if reading his thoughts. "And pray she never does. Gods know she'd go to the ends of Remnant and back if it meant dragging her baby boy back to the safety of her home."

His father's choice of words made him furrow his brows. "You make it sound like you're not here to stop me."

"Because I'm not," Nicholas shrugged, looking unbothered. "I can't stop you, even if I chained you to your bed, you wouldn't stop. Not that that'd stop your mother from trying."

"How did you..."

"Know?" His son nodded. "It's simple. That day you came home, that day you challenged your mother, something was different about you. You hadn't spoken of being a Huntsman in over seven years and, all of a sudden, you brought it up with such a deep passion that you stood against Lady. It had been a long time since I saw such conviction from any of my children in so, so long. Actually, not since Saphron chose to marry Terra."

"Oh... uh, thanks..?"

"Mmm," Nicholas nodded and made his way down the stairs. "I understand your reason behind not challenging your mother further but, still, it hurts that you decided to just up and leave. Especially for a young boy your age in such a dangerous world."

Jaune watched as his father reached up to him, holding his face in both of his hands. It was still weird, even after over a month in this world, to look at and understand, seeing as this was his father, but he couldn't help but notice the gentle loving touch Nicholas gave as he held his face. It was very similar to how his mother held him when they finally reconciled back in his time.

"But I know you're an amazing child and I know you can do amazing things," the older Arc continued. Tears appeared in the corner of his eyes. "So, I won't stop you."

Jaune had only seen his father cry a handful of times. He would be lying if he said that his eyes weren't stinging now. "Thank you, dad..."

He shook his head, a few tears streaking. "Don't thank me. Just, please, don't forget your family. Don't forget to call me. If anything, and I mean anything, gets too hard, you call any of us immediately. Do you understand?"

A relieved smile stretched across the young knight's face. He nodded before embracing his father, something he had done only once before. It was when he left his home for the final time.

"I will, dad. I'll make you proud."

Nicholas chuckled into his shoulder. "I know you will. Just remember, you're not just an Arc. You're a Pendragon. We're all kinds of stubborn."

They held one another a little longer before Jaune pulled away with a nod. He returned his new sword to its sheath and strapped it over his back. He moved to the basement hatch that led outside but looked back once more to see his father, smiling as he watched him go. The smile was returned before the young Arc turned to leave.

However, just before he took off into the night, he chuckled awkwardly before looking at his father again.

"Oh yeah, do they have a name..?"

Nicholas could only chuckle at his son.

"You truly are our son. They are Excalibur and Pridwen. Treat them well, Jaune."

"Sir!"

And that's another one for the books. Decent chapter AND Jaune's now got a new blade.

Now, while we all know and love Crocea Mors, there are sacrifices that have to be made. And, sadly, Jaune's original weapon is one of them. Women are now the heads of household and are seen as the protectors of humanity. And, seeing as Jaune comes from a family dominated in numbers by women, and coming from a house name of warriors, it only makes sense that one of his sister's would get Crocea. And no matter how good Jaune was with it, it doesn't mean that his sister can just up and give it. So, yeah, new weapon from his father's side.

And, on that note of his fathers side. Should i have Jaune go into Beacon under a new alias or simply stay as Jaune. I have the reasoning behind why he'd want to change his name but I'll leave it to you guys if I should or shouldn't.

And for those wondering, he's not gonna crossdress. Jaune will simply be a dude among the masses of women. Yeah, this isn't giving off Infinite Stratos vibes. Ichika wasn't oblivious, homie just didn't want to die if he picked one of them.