A/N: Guest-FIGHT! FIGHT! KISS! KISS! XD

That's closer to reality than you'd expect, honestly.

Sonic and the -

Oh dang what's gonna happen now Talk it out fight it out or break out and run away choices choices

You know, I like to think like I'm writing an RPG when making my stories, and these would be great story path choices. . . But let's face it, we'd ALL choose the Fight It Out option.

knightmare of the abyss-I hope everything end well (the relationship) and when i read the watch will make a sound when item he need was closed. I immediately think of a video games like "breath of the wild" (if I remember the name correctly).

You know, it's funny. I never played Breath of the Wild, but it is a great comparison.

Xealchim-Tbh this whole back an forth between Ruby an Nim is ridiculous either set straight the whole relationship or just kill Ruby for Jaune's "needed" power up an be done with it. Like idk why this hostile back an forth is still a thing 30 chaps later. It serves nothing but to put down Ruby for being unfaithful and her attempts at being Argents mom, it just show cases how 'awesome' Sword Mom is when really it shows how much of a bitch she really is to certain people just existing IE Ruby an by extension Glynda.

I have no idea why, but I love Nimueh's nickname of Sword Mom. Anyway, needless drama, dude. It will always be a part of life. Nimueh's a borderline yandere. Not quite there, but still pretty damn possessive. But don't be surprised. I'm sure, whether, by choice or accident, we all watched a soap opera with scenarios like this. A close friend of mine even said what I wrote is disturbingly close to his personal life. Even jokingly asked if I was either spying on him or if my Observation Haki (if you know, you know) was that advanced. Recently, we found out that he's DANGEROUSLY like Jaune in the romance department. I'd... better be careful what I write next, lest I influence his and his sister's lives. . . Scary.

Anyway, ONTO THE FIGHT!


The guards were standing at attention behind their general, but you didn't need to be Jaune to taste their fear and nervousness. After all, they were trying to take into custody the most powerful man in the world.

"Jaune, please understand. This is for the best," Winter said.

Jaune looked down at her with an unamused expression. "I don't understand, Winter. What am I being charged for?"

"You're not being arrested. You're being placed under protective custody."

"So I'm being made into your hostage?"

"I'm making sure nothing happens to you."

"Happens to me? What are you on about, General?"

Winter scoffed. "The Servants of Salem?"

"Is that all? I can handle those idiots just-"

"The army of criminals that tried to kill you and Argent?"

"We handled them just-"

"The evolving Grimm?!"

"Well, they're getting stronger, but-"

"THE ELDER FUCKING GRIMM?!"

"Winter, we beat that thing."

"AT YOUR EXPENSE! YOU NEARLY DIED! If that's not enough, you have a bounty on your head now!"

"Excuse me?"

"My informants found out that the underworld crime lords pooled together enough money to take over a kingdom, all just to kill you. And if all of that wasn't enough," she began as she took out her scroll. She then played a recording of Jaune and his family talking to Dante.

"When the God of Light told me how I would need to protect Remnant from Darkness-" Winter pushed the replay button to emphasize her point.

"You're supposed to fight the God of Darkness?! YOU FIGHT A GOD?! I WON'T ALLOW THAT!"

Jaune stared at the video before he sighed. "Winter, I have to do this."

"Absolutely not! You've been fighting enough impossible odds on your own."

"And I'll take this one on as well."

"Not as long as I'm around. I'm tired of losing those I care about. Of failing those I care for. I'm not about to lose you to some pompous deity who abandoned us long ago. I WILL NOT lose you to him."

Jaune stared into Winter's eyes. "I won't lose."

"I know. Because you won't fight."

"That's not for you to decide."

"As long as you're in MY Kingdom, it is. Just let us handle him."

"Winter, this is one of the two gods who created Remnant. The same god that wiped humanity off the face of Remnant on his own with basically a flick of his wrist. Remnant doesn't stand a chance against a power like that, let alone New Mantle."

"And you do?"

"I at least have a chance."

"Oh, do explain. Why? Why does it have to be you? Why does it ALWAYS have you be you?! WHY ARE YOU SO OBSESSED WITH BEING THE HERO?!"

"Because I'm the only one in the world who looks like this," Jaune said as he pushed his watch, the hologram lowering to reveal his Grimm form. Winter just glared at it. "I have cursed blood, Winter. And this blood might be the only thing able to protect Remnant from a vengeful god if and when he appears. That's why it has to be me. I have to do this."

Winter glared at him. "Restrain him. Take him to his quarters." Jaune sighed.

"Winter, stop this! This is crazy," Ruby yelled.

"This is necessary. Or do you want to see him die like he almost did against that overgrown maggot?" Ruby looked down, honestly thinking about what would be best.

Right as a guard reached Jaune, the poor soldier shuttered when Jaune merely glanced at the officer. "Stand back. That's an order from a 1st Class International Huntsman. Don't do anything until I'm done talking with your General."

"Y-Yes, sir." The soldier then stepped away, letting out a relieved sigh.

"Jaune, there's nothing to discuss. This is to protect what could be the most important being in the world. You can control the Grimm and you're the only man on Remnant who can properly use magic. Oscar Pine's powers left him the moment Ozpin was freed, so you're literally the last of your kind. Please, be reasonable."

Jaune stared at Winter. "Winter, I really did love you." She didn't respond, but Ruby and Nimueh looked less than pleased when he said that. "I'd be lying if I said I still didn't have lingering feelings for you. I truly loved dating you... but that doesn't mean I won't struggle against you. I need to leave New Mantle and get stronger. If I don't, then nothing will be able to stop Darkness."

Winter stared at him. "If I said I no longer had feelings for you... I'd also be lying."

"WHA," Ruby went.

"But don't you dare believe that doesn't mean I won't use force to make you comply," she said as she placed her hand on the handle of her sword.

"Winter, you and I both know that a fight between the two of us won't end well for anyone."

"Does that mean you'll comply?"

". . . No." Jaune then grew out his claws.

The soldiers aimed their rifles at Jaune while Nimueh looked ready to revert back into a sword.

But then, both combatants raised their hands.

"Stand down," Winter said.

"Don't, Nim. Like I said, this is between me and Winter."

The two warriors stared into the other's eyes, almost daring the other to make a move.

"Last chance, Jaune. Come in quietly," she said as her eyes ignited with the blue flames of her Maiden Magic.

"You may be a general, but in terms of being Huntsmen, I'm the same rank as you. Not even you get to order me around."

The two continued to glare at one another, their magical powers clashing, creating a powerful gale of wind that began to push the soldiers and Huntsmen away. One soldier even fell back from the pressure.

Then, in a split second, Winter's sword clashed with Jaune's claws, the impact creating a far more powerful burst of cold wind. It was so great that many of the soldiers were sent flying, some slamming into the walls, others sliding across the ground. One even slammed into the ceiling.

Because it was so unexpected, even Argent was sent flying. "WHOA!"

Fortunately for him, Ruby grabbed him and took him to safety using her Semblance, the two taking cover behind a heavy, bolted-down table.

"I don't get why dad doesn't like being in your Semblance. That was fun!"

"Glad you liked it, Cookie, but now's not the time," Ruby said as she and her son looked towards the epicenter of the indoor storm.

There they were, two of the most powerful beings in New Mantle, sword sparking against black claws, glowing blue eyes and glowing red eyes starring definitely into the other, neither combatant looking ready to stand down or compromise. It was now official.

It was now a full-on fight of Jaune Arc vs Winter Schnee-Branwen.

Jaune was avoiding Winter's precise and fast slashes and thrusts, trying to find an opportunity to parry or counter. She never did have any exploitable openings. Fortunately for Jaune, he got used to reading her a long time ago and knew how to make those openings.

On a particularly large thrust, Jaune grabbed Winter's wrists, yanked her towards him, and planted a knee into her gut, winding her long enough for him to land a roundhouse that had her fall to the ground. Jaune was about to punch her before he was sent flying by a pillar of ice.

Jaune was barely able to land on his feet before he looked to see a pair of boots slam into his face. He stumbled back before slamming into the wall, looking up in time to see magic channeling into Winter's hand. "NO!"

Winter unleashed a torrent of ice onto Jaune. When she finished, he was reaching out to her, frozen in ice, eyes wide in surprise.

Winter sighed in relief. "Sorry, Jaune. But you'll realize that this is for the best. I will protect you," she said as she looked at him with steely eyes. Then, she heard a crack. "What?" The cracks on the ice began to grow and multiply. "No."

Jaune then burst out of the ice, Winter instinctively shielding her face from the large chunks. When she looked, the first thing she saw was a fist before it slammed into her face, making her skid back.

When she looked up again, she was able to parry Jaune's slash. The two then clashed several times, sword deflecting claw, claw smacking away the sword.

Then, when Jaune redirected Winter's thrust at just the right moment, he began an onslaught against Winter. His slashes were lightning fast before he finished his combo with a palm thrust, Winter still feeling his claws through her Aura as she was sent flying back, landing with a hard thud.

She groaned as she sat back up. "That technique. That was Countless Claws."

"Finished off with the Pouncing Wolf."

"Why do you know Wolf God's Fang?! Why do you know ANY Faunus martial art?!"

Jaune shrugged. "A damn good girlfriend is the type who makes a man better than he was before. She was a strict teacher, but she was also a damn good one. She only got to teach me a few techniques, though. I'm not a master of the Wolf God's Fang," Jaune began before he took the stance of martial art. "But I'm good enough to use it in a fight."

Winter glared at him before jumping to her feet. "So that's why you haven't made a sword. Still, do you honestly believe martial arts will be enough to take on a god?"

"Probably not. But it's not the only trick up my sleeve." Jaune then blew fire at Winter. She just created an ice wall, the flame and ice creating fog.

Winter walked through the fog, looking for any sign of Jaune. She then felt a presence and slashed behind her, only for nothing to be there. Then, behind her, Jaune was about to slam his heel onto her head.

But Winter smirked.

Jaune was tackled by one of Winter's Beowolves. When they landed, Jaune kicked it off of him before jumping up, only to be slammed into by a summoned Boarbatusk. It didn't push him very far. Barely a foot back.

Jaune then lifted the summon by its tusk with one hand, looking at it with a bored expression before raising an eyebrow. "Really? A Boarbatusk? The least you could have thrown at me was a Megoliath."

"How about a Hound?"

"What?"

The fog was then dispersed by the swing of Winter's Summoned Hound, the monster roaring at Jaune behind its master.

"Okay, I admit it," Jaune began as he threw the Boarbatusk away. "That's impressive."

"Dad, be careful," Argent called. "That thing is ridiculously-"

"I know how strong it is, kiddo. I've fought one before." Jaune then held his hand to his face then flew. He slowly moved his hand away, ice following his palm before he formed his own Crocea Mors Great Sword made of ice. "That's why I know I need to go all out against that thing, summoned or not."

"Or you could just surrender," Winter said.

Jaune chuckled. "Come on, Winter. I thought you said you loved me once."

She then smirked back. "I did. That's why I know you won't back down. That stubbornness of yours," she said as she shook her head with a smile, taking out her second sword. "Looking at you and Qrow, I suppose it's obvious that I have a type."

"Qrow would be pissed if he heard you compare him to me," Jaune said as he took his stance.

The Hound then roared as it pounced toward Jaune. Jaune ran towards it and slashed its chest, not surprised that his attack barely damaged the monster. When he was behind it, Jaune slashed at the Hound's back before kicking behind him, his boot clashing against Winter's swords with enough force to push her back.

The Hound then grabbed Jaune by his head, about to slam him, only to be electrocuted by Jaune's magic. Jaune then slashed off its arm before decapitating it, destroying the summon.

"Wow. That thing gave me so much trouble. I even had help from Shiva, Aunt Weiss, and Marrow; and we still couldn't beat that thing," Argent went in awe.

"Way to show off, Arc," Ruby grumbled, feeling jealous that their son was amazed by him.

"Sorry, Winter. I'm way more powerful now than I was when I fought that thing."

"But you're still not powerful enough to take on a god on your own," Winter said right behind Jaune, surprising him.

She then used the same slash technique she used to defeat Ironwood when she fought alongside Jaune and his team at Atlas. Jaune did feel the brunt, but unlike Ironwood, his Aura wasn't close to shattering.

Instead, Jaune retaliated by grabbing Winter by her collar, slamming her to the ground, then throwing her as hard as he could. She slammed with enough force to dent into the reinforced wall of Atlas Tower. When she looked up, Jaune's body slammed her, the two crashing through walls before they both began to fall.

Jaune quickly grew his wings, ready to grab Winter, only to see no sign of her.

Then, his reflexes kicked in, making him grab a large icicle. He looked in the direction it came from to see Winter flying above him, Maiden powers at full display.

"Alright, you're still one of the best fighters in the world. I'm still not convinced. Let's see how well you fight in the sky, hero."

Jaune sighed. "Fine." He then flapped his wings to be at equal altitude with his ex-girlfriend. "Round 2 will be in the sky," he said as he took his stance, Winter doing the same.

The two then raced towards each other, their clash having such great force that it literally sounded like a thunderclap.


Inside the Schnee Dust Company Board Room were the executives of the company. The Faunus Relations Executive, the Development Executive, the International Relations Executive, and the Vice President himself, and arguably the man who runs the company more than the CEO, Whitley Schnee.

"Ladies and gentlemen, please take your seats," Whitley said as the executives sat down. "I am pleased to announce the return of our long absent CEO, President Weiss Schnee-Rose."

As soon as Whitely said that Weiss walked in through the door, the executives clapped as she walked towards and sat at the head of the table. "It's good to see you again, my fellow officers of the SDC. I am truly sorry for my long absence."

"You used your accumulative vacation days, Mrs. Schnee-Rose," a muscular Deer Faunus man began. "You have nothing to apologize for."

"Thank you, Comet, but it is not a habit a CEO should make. I've read the reports of the few days I was gone, and I must say that I am amazed by the production you have made."

"All thanks to the Vice President, Ma'am," a bubbly woman went.

"My brother truly is amazing, isn't he," Weiss said as she smiled at Whitely, who looked down at his Scrollpad, scrolling through it, looking through legal documents.

"I'm only doing my duties as the Vice President. The praise is not necessary," he said.

Weiss just giggled, noticing the slight color on her brother's cheeks.

"Now then, the Elder Attack from not even two days ago was bound to be devastating for everyone in this room in one way or the other."

"If I may, ma'am," an older-looking gentleman began with a raised hand.

"Proceed."

"I received reports that you yourself were attacked, and in the Atlas Tower at that."

"So that wasn't just a rumor," a younger man asked.

"I heard that the Vale Knight's son was in the tower. Is he well," an older woman asked.

"Argent is safe and well. Fortunately, the casualties were minor, especially in comparison to the Fall of Atlas. But unlike the Fall, we may be able to benefit from this tragedy. Drones sent by Whitely have discovered a new Dust Vein in the vicinity of where the Elder King Ice Dragon was slain. I would like to begin mining of this vein effective immediately."

"It won't be difficult," a pudgy man began. "We have the needed equipment and manpower. We just need permission from the military."

"It's BECAUSE of the military that I want to begin as soon as possible."

"Could you go into detail, Madame President," a busty woman went.

"If this battle has proven anything, it's that the Grimm are evolving as the Vale Knight said. They are getting stronger. We deployed all twelve of our Titans during that horrible battle, and we just barely won. If not for Jaune Arc, I doubt we would have survived this encounter. A large factor in our victory was the Silver Dust project."

"Ah, I understand," a grizzled-looking man began. "You want more Dust to be developed into Silver Dust."

"Exactly. Silver Dust might be our greatest weapon against the Grimm, with only the Sword of Destruction being its superior."

"And we can't rely on that every time," Whitely began. "That man and his child are the only ones who can use it, and they can't be everywhere at once."

"Whitely, I would prefer if you addressed them as the Vale Knight and Argent." He just shrugged. "But it is as my brother stated. We need to improve our military and technology, and Dust is the best possible resource for that."

"Is it, though," a young woman began. "I mean, even Dust can't compare to General Schnee. Her power seems practically limitless, making her one of the most powerful women in the world."

"But like the Vale Knight, she is only one," Weiss began as the sound of thunder was being heard. "We can't rely on her alone. My sister is strong, but even she can't carry the world on her shoulders," Weiss said as the thunder was getting louder.

"The Vale Knight seems to believe he can," Whitely said. "From the video footage taken by that Amanda Lavender woman, he was mad enough to take on the Elder Grimm and an army of monsters by himself, his sword and that pet Grimm of his being the only allies he had."

"Jaune is a stubborn fool who let his fame and title get to his head. He won't put his faith in others and just rushes in headfirst to protect those around him." Weiss looked down, remembering the recording of Ruby's sobs when she thought Jaune sighed. "Even if it means hurting those who care about him."

"Well, it's agreed that we need to begin mining," the portly man said. "All in favor?"

"Ai," went every member of the board as their raised their hands.

"All opposed?" No response. "There you have it, Madame President. I will begin making preparations for the excata-" The loudest thunderclap yet was heard. "By the gods! I received no reports of a storm today."

The younger man took out his scroll. "Actually, according to the weather reports, it should be clear throughout the week. There should be no signs of clouds at all, let alone thunder."

"Then what could possibly be making that-" Whitely began.

The sound of the glass ceiling shattering, followed by a man yelling was heard before something slammed onto the middle of the table. Before anyone could react, what looked like a woman landed on the man with such force that they broke through the table, before the woman jumped off.

Weiss looked up, shocked to see what was floating above her now ruined table. "WINTER?!"

"Enough, Jaune! You can't beat me in the sky. You have next to no aerial combat, correct? No real reason to fight using those wings of yours. Just stop fighting and come in peacefully."

"One problem, Winter," Jaune said without getting up. He then shocked Winter and everyone else by unleashing a blast of lightning at Winter from the palm of his hand, the force of the magic sending Winter flying out of the hole they made. "I AM INCREDIBLY STUBBORN," he roared before extending his awesome wings and flying after his opponent.

Weiss walked towards the hole in a dumbfounded state, looking through towards the sky to see her sister and Jaune fighting violently in the now darkened sky, magic blasting as they dueled.

"W-What in the name of the gods is going on?!"


Jaune and Winter clashed once more in the sky, glaring into the other's eyes. Winter then blew into Jaune's face, freezing his face before kicking him downward. Jaune slammed into the roof of a nearby building. Winter chased after him, hoping to attack him before he uses his Semblance.

When she got close enough, Jaune grabbed her by the face and slammed her into the roof. Winter bounced at first before landing on her feet with a skid. She looked up with a glare, her hair finally coming loose, letting it fall freely around her face. She nonchalantly pushed some of her hair out of her face as she stood up.

Jaune walked out of the dust towards her, showing that his own hair was free, his long white mane framing his face.

It was amazing how hard they were going at each other, but their fight was taking its toll on both of them, their sparking Aura proof of this.

"Slamming me around like a Hound? Do you think that's enough to beat a god?"

"Maybe not. That's why I need to get stronger."

"It's why you need to stay here in New Mantle where it's safe for you and Argent. We can protect you, Jaune."

"Don't you mean YOU can protect us?" Winter blushed a bit. "Winter, I get that you care about me. Hell, if I was in your position, if I found out someone was trying to kill you for your power or your rank or even the simple fact of your family lineage, I would do whatever it takes to protect you."

"Then you shouldn't be fighting me. Just stay here. Dante is bound to be able to make accommodations for you. Help you master your powers better than you can alone. Argent can easily transfer into New Atlas. I know for a fact that your boy would graduate at the top of his class, be a magnificent leader on par with his father, become the pride of New Mantle, become one of the greatest Ace Ops in history-"

"And be under your watchful eye?"

Winter was about to say something, but nothing came out of her mouth.

"You know, Winter, under normal circumstances, that might be an enticing offer."

Winter stared at Jaune before she sighed. "Jaune... don't lie to me like that."

He chuckled. "You know me as well as I thought." He then sighed. "Even under normal circumstances, I wouldn't accept that offer." Jaune looked out towards the horizon, their temporary ceasefire allowing the clouds to disperse, letting the two see the sun as it began to set. "I'm one of, if not the greatest Huntsman in the world. I'm willing to do what some are too afraid to do, and what others see as not worth the trouble. I'm needed out there, Winter. Now more than ever."

He then looked right into Winter's eyes. "I am the International 1st Class Huntsman, Jaune 'Vale Knight' Arc... as well as the new King of the Grimm. There are some things only I can do."

Winter clenched her swords, pointing her dominant blade at Jaune. "Is that really true? No one else can do this? It HAS to be you and you alone?"

Jaune stared at Winter. "No. Someone else can take my place."

"Then please," she began as she lowered her sword, hope in her eyes. "Let them carry this weight for on-"

"But I'm not willing to sacrifice my children. I will be damned before I let my sons or daughters take on this damned curse or take on the God of Darkness. It's the father's duty to protect their children until the day they are ready to go off on their own. I will NOT allow Argent or Sparrow to fight the God of Darkness in my place."

Winter's eyes widened. "Argent... is the only one who can take your place?"

"That's what the God of Light said."

Winter's eyes then flared before she was surrounded by an incredible level of magic. Magic that rivaled Fria before her. "THEN I ABSOLUTELY WON'T LET YOU LEAVE! IF LETTING YOU DIE MEANS ARGENT WOULD HAVE TO CARRY YOUR BURDEN, THEN I WILL SPIT IN THE FACE OF THE GODS AND KEEP YOU SAFE!"

Jaune sighed before his eyes shot open in rage, his own magic flaring. Not at the same level as Winter, but still at an awesome amount. And unlike Winter's controlled power, Jaune's was much wilder. "When are you going to realize it, Winter? I AM JAUNE ARC! I DON'T NEED PROTECTION! IN THIS STORY, I'M THE HERO, NOT THE FOOL WHO NEEDS TO BE GUARDED BY THOSE HE LOVES!"

"THEN SHOW ME WHAT YOU CAN DO, HERO! JUST TRY TO LEAVE!"

"FINE BY ME!"

Jaune and Winter then charged at each other, their magic clashing to the point where the entire sky was engulfed by storm clouds in less than a second.

The citizens were terrified. It was just like the war against the Grimm days ago. The only difference is that Grimm was actually keeping them safe. Beowolves were carrying citizens underground to avoid the lightning, Megoliaths were using their bodies to keep citizens from being sliced by the falling broken glass, and Sabyrs racing down the streets with scared citizens on their backs, carrying them to safe zones.

This awesome, terrifying fight between two beings more than powerful enough to be worshipped as gods were shaking the entire city, Mantle soldiers and robots doing their best to keep the city under control.

Yet, Jaune and Winter were oblivious to this. They were too busy fighting the other under their own beliefs.

Then, the two flew up towards the sky, ice blue magic constantly clashing with mixed elements as they flew higher and higher, reducing the chaos their fight was causing before they finally slammed onto the top of Atlas Tower, the impact dispersing the clouds and ceasing all commotion below.

The people were terrified, but they were also obviously curious as to what was happening atop the tower, wondering what was going on in the fight of their General against Remnant's Hero.

On the tower, Jaune was on his back while Winter was on her side. Their Auras sparked before both shattered.

Jaune groaned as he tried to get up, wincing in pain as he got back on his feet.

Winter hissed in anguish as she got back to her feet. She stumbled a bit but was still able to stand tall.

Both fighters then looked at the other, both panting before they took a deep breath and gained their second wind. Jaune flexed his wings, only for them to vanish. It showed that Jaune wouldn't be able to fly anymore.

Winter tried to fly but barely got so much as an inch off the ground. This showed that she was too tired to properly use magic.

Both were totally grounded.

Jaune shakily raised his arm, trying to use magic. He was barely able to make an ice version of Nimueh, but he was still armed with the weapon he was most familiar with.

When he did that, Winter took her favorite stance, showing how serious she was.

The two were in their best stances with their best weapons, ready to finish their fight.

It was time for the final round of the Winter Maiden vs the Grimm King.

Jaune's sword clashed with Winter's, the two dodging and deflecting the other's strikes. Even though Winter had two swords, Jaune was more than keeping up with her. However, he was making sure not to slash her, given that her Aura was shattered. He noticed that she was also avoiding any fatal blows, most of her slashes being shallow cuts meant to tire through blood loss and injury. However, Jaune was still half Grimm, meaning his healing gave him the greater advantage.

Then, Jaune finally saw his opportunity when he parried Winter at just the right moment. With Winter stumbling back, Jaune disarmed her with a precise slash aimed at her blades. His awesome strength ripped the swords out of Winter's grip, leaving her disarmed. Jaune then clenched his free fist and threw it at Winter's solar plexus.

'I win,' he thought.

Winter then redirected Jaune's fist, surprising the man as he lost his balance. Then, Winter landed a palm strike on Jaune's chin, rattling his brain before she kicked him away.

Jaune skidded to a halt, groaning as he struggled to stay on his feet as he looked up at Winter. "Martial Arts?!"

"New Mantle Self Defense Techniques," she said as she took her stance. "Did you really think Atlas Specialists only relied on weapons? Harriet wasn't the only one who relied on her fist. It was just her preferred style. Everyone back in the day knew how to fight without a weapon. Why would we change that tradition in New Mantle?"

Jaune stared at Winter before he chuckled. "And you were shocked that I knew how to fight with my fists," he said as he cracked his knuckles before taking a familiar stance.

"That's Xiao Long's stance."

"Long before Argent was born, I had Yang teach me how to fight. Murua may have taught me how to fight like a Faunus, but she wasn't my only teacher in martial arts. And truth be told..." Jaune appeared before Winter, surprising her before she raised her arm just in time to block Jaune's punch, which felt like a truck. "Unlike with the Wolf God's Fang, I feel like I've mastered the Xiao Long Style. The fact I was able to beat Yang with it is proof of that."

The two then exchanged blows, blocking and deflecting each other's strikes before they kicked each other's soles to get some distance, both in their stances again. Both were panting, obviously nearing their limits, but neither was ready to back down. Then, they both roared as they ran toward the other.

Winter jumped and tried to dropkick Jaune, but he was able to grab her ankles and throw her to the ground. Winter was able to slam her hands onto the pavement before impact and brought her legs in, making Jaune stumble towards her. She followed up by kicking Jaune in the chest, making him release her.

Winter spun around, kicking Jaune in the face before jumping to her feet and performing a roundhouse kick. Jaune was able to bend back in time to avoid the kick and counter with a punch to the face. As Winter stumbled back, Jaune performed a sweep kick that made Winter fall to the ground.

Jaune was panting as he looked down at the panting Winter. "You can give up, you know."

Winter groaned as she got back to her feet, spitting out some of the blood in her mouth as she took her stance. "Not happening."

Jaune then took his stance, ready to finish the fight.

Winter then rushed at Jaune, using high kicks aimed at Jaune's head. Jaune was able to block and dodge them, preparing a counterpunch. When he saw his chance, he went for it.

However, that was what Winter was counting on.

She expertly grabbed Jaune's wrist, yanked him, and planted her elbow into his abdomen, right at the solar plexus. Her blow caused him to cough up blood. Winter smirked, thinking she had won, especially when Jaune's eyes rolled back into his head.

However, Jaune clenched his teeth.

Jaune grabbed Winter's elbow, surprising her, before reeling back his head. Then, he slammed his head against Winter's, her own eyes rolling back.

The two stumbled away from each other, both looking dazed as blood flowed down both of their foreheads. Then, they both clenched their teeth, tightened their stances, and both roared as they threw a punch.

Their fists slammed into each other's faces, making them stumble away from each other. Jaune then threw a liver blow while Winter threw an uppercut, both hits landing. When they stumbled away from each other again, Jaune tightened his dominant arm while Winter tightened her dominant leg.

The two roared as they threw their best strikes, Jaune's right against Winter's left high kick.

A loud boom was heard.

Moments passed, the dark clouds hiding the outcome, the silhouette of the two fighters showing Winter's raised leg and Jaune's outstretched arm. The clouds then began to part, allowing the setting sun's rays to illuminate the outcome.

When the light shined upon the former lovers, it was shown that Winter's leg slammed into Jaune's shoulder, the toe of her boot just barely touching Jaune's temple. Had it connected, even Jaune would have been knocked out.

Winter, on the other hand, had Jaune's entire fist covering her mouth. She glared at him for a bit before her eyes rolled back into her head. She then fell to the ground with a heavy thud, not even twitching.

Jaune was still in his stance, unmoving, before he finally fell to his knees, panting heavily. He then looked at the unconscious beauty and smiled.

"I win, Winter."

He then fell onto his back, landing right next to Winter. Tiredly, he looked at her sleeping face, weakly reaching out to her, and cupping her face.

"Like I said: I'm the hero in this story."


Winter's eyes were shut, her hair loose and free. She then moaned as she slowly opened her eyes. She was sore but slowly feeling better. Before she was the night sky, not a star to be seen, but she could see the light of the moon shining down on her.

Winter sat up, not as sore as before, but still tired. She then felt something pleasant in her hand. She looked to see that it was being held by a bigger hand. A familiar, big hand... that was glowing.

She then looked up the arm to see Jaune staring at the sky. Winter stared at him before chuckling, sitting up and leaning against his shoulder. "Holding a married woman's hand? You degenerate."

"Says the beauty leaning on a married man's shoulder."

Winter giggled. "I suppose we're both degenerates, then." She glanced at Jaune's other hand. "The Aura Battery Project, huh? That's how you were able to regain your Aura?"

"Yeah. To think it's incomplete."

The two stared at the moon as Jaune was healing Winter with his Semblance.

"So... how much were you holding back?"

Jaune sighed. "That obvious, huh?"

"Your magic control was terrible, your flying is mediocre, but everything else... you outclassed me. Even before you became the Grimm King, you were physically stronger than me. With that new body of yours... you should be as strong, if not stronger than any Grimm on Remnant. There's no way I should have been able to hurt you, let alone come close to beating you."

Jaune was silent for a bit before placing the tips of his fingers on the floor. Winter watched as his fingers sunk into the stone as if it were water before ripping the chunk out. Then, he crushed it in the palm of his hand, opening his hand to allow the dust to be carried away in the night breeze.

Winter giggled. "So strong." She then looked somber. "There's... no way I can convince you to stay, is there?"

"No."

"And Arie? Can I at least convince you to let him stay with his mother?"

". . . He is with his mother."

"You know I meant his birth mother."

Jaune sighed. "I'd... let him choose."

Winter giggled. "Then I really did lose. That boy loves you and Nimueh more than anyone else in this crazy family of ours. He'd never want to leave your side, especially since you go onto far more adventures than any of us." Winter's eyes began to turn glassy, her lip quivering. Then, tears formed as she began to cry.

"Winter," Jaune went sadly. He just looked at her as she snuggled up to him.

"Why? Why can't I keep the ones I care about most safe? Why can't I protect you? Why does it have to be you? Why does it ALWAYS have to be you? All because you carry that woman's blood? Is that the only reason," she asked through her tears. "New Mantle could be your home, Jaune. We can protect you. Help you. Argent could be near his mother and learn from the best and become the best. You could receive the best equipment and training to become even greater than you already are. You could... You could. . . I could know that I'm keeping my family safe."

Jaune looked down at the crying woman before looking up towards the sky. "Right now, an unknown village could be under attack."

"What?"

"A pack of Grimm could be growing too large for even a team of Huntsman could handle. A new and powerful species could be roaming the very forests of Vale, or a new criminal empire trying to take over Mistral is forming. . . Or the God of Darkness made his very first move. Yet, here I am, in the safety of New Mantle... being protected... while Remnant suffers."

"There are other Huntsmen, Jaune."

Jaune gently grabbed Winter's chin and lifted it to make her look into his eyes. "But there is only one me. Only one Vale Knight. . . Only one Grimm King." Jaune then stood up, walking towards the edge of the tower, looking over the city, in the direction of the rest of Remnant. "I am known as the Greatest Huntsman in the World, the Strongest Man Alive, and the new leader of the Grimm. People look up to me for peace, prosperity, and safety. What kind of Huntsman would I be if I hid behind the walls of the world's greatest military force?"

Winter couldn't respond to that.

"Winter, you have no idea how happy it makes me know that even after all this time, you care about me. That you care about Argent, despite him having no blood ties to you at all."

"Blood doesn't make family, Jaune," Winter said as she stood up.

"That's why I know you'll help take care of him should anything happen to me," he said as he turned to smile at Winter.

"Jaune," she went sadly.

He then looked back towards the horizon. "The world needs a hero, now more than ever. A guardian. A protector. It may be a role that was forced on me, but it's a role I am damn sure I will fulfill. To do so, I need to become even stronger than I am now. My magic, my aerial skills, my martial arts, even my armor. I need to improve all of it. But I can't do all of that while stuck in New Mantle. I'm trying to protect the entire world, not just a single kingdom. I need to go out into Remnant and evolve to be able to better protect everyone, no matter how heavy the burden on my shoulders will become."

Winter stared at him before walking up next to him, looking over the horizon. "You don't have to carry it alone, hero." He glanced at her just as Winter looked up at him. "You can rely on others. You have allies. People who care about you and are ready to help you. Don't you ever forget that. At the very least, you have allies ready to carry your burden here in New Mantle."

Jaune stared into Winter's beautiful eyes before looking back towards the sky. "Thank you, Winter," he said as he gently grabbed her hand.

"What else is family for," Winter asked as she gently intertwined her fingers with Jaune's, the two gripping each other gently as they looked out towards the somehow more beautiful night sky.


Weiss was speed walking through Atlas Tower, following the trail of frantic soldiers before reaching the lab where her wife was.

"So that's what happened," Shiva asked.

Silber sighed as she rubbed her forehead. "That wasn't the best way to do it, dear aunt."

"I don't think there would be a right way, sweetie," Ruby said to her daughter.

"I mean, I love Aunt Winter and all, but I don't like the idea of... being grounded," Argent said.

"Like I would have allowed that anyway," Nimueh said.

"Alright, someone had better have an explanation!" Everyone looked toward Weiss as she stomped forward.

"Hello, mother," Silber said with a polite bow.

"Hello, dear aunt," Shiva said with a wave.

"Hello, Silber, Shiva," Weiss said with a smile before looking serious again. "I want an explanation. Why did that Grimmified Dolt smash through the roof of my Board Room? Why was he fighting my sister?!"

"We had a bit of an argument." Everyone looked toward the feminine voice. "But I think we have reached a compromise."

"WINTER," Weiss yelled in shock, seeing the state her sister was in.

Shiva whistled. "You sure showed my mother a good time, dear uncle."

"Don't word it like that," Jaune and Winter said in unison.

"So, dad... did you win," Argent asked with curious, sparkling eyes.

Jaune smirked as he crossed his arms. "Was there any doubt?"

"Alright, dad," Argent cheered.

"What can I say? Your old man's a badass. Ow," Jaune went after Winter elbowed him.

"Winter, what happened," Weiss asked as she ran up to her sister. "Your uniform is in ruins! Your hair is loose! And you... you LOST?!"

"Don't sound so surprised with the last one, Weiss. He's beaten me in a fight before," she said as she pointed a thumb at Jaune.

"BUT YOU WERE HOLDING BACK MOST OF THOSE TIMES!"

"And he held back against me in this fight, so we're even."

Weiss wanted to say something, but all of her words were stuck in her mouth.

"Status report," Winter began, some soldiers stopping and saluting her. "What is the condition of the city after my fight with the Grimm King?"

"Ma'am! Many buildings suffered destruction of property via shattered windows, but monetary damage is the only casualty. Thanks to the Grimm under the Grimm King's command, the civilians were protected. There isn't a single injury among the people. Repair costs are also minimal, ma'am."

"I see." Winter then held out her hand... towards Jaune. "Mm," she went, flexing her fingers in a way that practically screamed, "hurry up".

Jaune sighed before he reached into his pocket and took out a card. When he placed it in her hand, she took out her scroll and scanned it.

"There. That should take care of half of the costs," she said as she handed the card back to Jaune. "Quite convenient to be one of the wealthiest Huntsmen in the world, wouldn't you agree, Jaune," she asked as she glanced at the hero.

Jaune sighed. "Yeah. Great. Though, this is still better than being put under Protective Custody."

"Protective Custody," Weiss asked.

"So we don't need to stay in New Mantle," Argent asked.

"You don't want to," Winter asked.

"Not really." All of the Schnee women felt like they were pierced by arrows. "I REALLY wanna see Uncle Sun right now," he said with an excited smile.

Ruby felt like Sun's boa staff smacked her atop her head, the beauty falling onto her back while comically crying. "He wants to be with his uncle more than his own mother." You could practically see an image of Sun holding up a double peace sign with a wide, toothy smile above Ruby.

"I mean, I had plenty of fun in New Mantle. It was great to see Aunt Winter and Shiva again but traveling with dad is way too much fun! Plus, it's been a really long time since I've been to Vaccuo! I wanna enjoy myself before the end of next month. Signal is going to be incredibly boring after this, but it will be worth it," he said with his trademark smile.

"I'm sure your Grandpa Tai wouldn't like hearing you say that about the school he works at," Jaune said with a teasing smile to his son.

"Ah. Oooh. Right." Argent laughed nervously as he scratched the back of his head.

"Argent." He looked up at Winter. "You know you could excel in New Mantle Academy. Transferring your credits from your old school to here would be a simple task. In fact, your actions during that war days ago make you more than qualified to skip a few grades."

"Really? Huh. Neat. Still, I'm way too used to Vale. Plus, I wanna go to Beacon like dad did."

Winter sighed. "I really did have no chance of winning," she said with a smile as she shook her head. "Just remember, Argent, you'll always have a place in New Mantle. You have family here."

Argent did his shi-shi-shi laugh. "I know. After all, my mom is here," he said as he smiled at Ruby, making the silver-eyed beauty smile as she got up. "As well as the world's strongest and coolest super aunt," she said as he looked up at Winter.

'Nothing about me,' Weiss thought with a pout as she crossed her arms.

Winter smiled before she kneeled down and kissed Argent's forehead. "I'm going to miss you, Arie."

"Don't worry. We'll be back. Right dad," Argent asked as he looked past his aunt.

"Hm? Of course. I still have some unfinished business in New Mantle."

"See? I'll be back before you know it," Argent said with his toothy smile.

Winter's smile never went away until she stood up and turned towards Jaune. "Jaune?"

"Hm?"

Winter walked up to him and pointed a finger in his face. "If you let anything happen to that boy or to yourself, I will hunt you down and hurt you."

"Noted, General Schnee-Branwen," Jaune said as he held up his hands defensively. "Wait, if I let anything happen to me," Jaune asked.

"Don't question me, Arc," Winter said with a smile.

Jaune smiled back. "Yes, ma'am."

"Ahem." Jaune and Winter looked towards an annoyed-looking Nimueh, the beauty leaning against the King's Glaive. "Can we leave now?"

"Yes, dear," Jaune said as he walked over to the bike, Argent following after his parents.

"Wait," Ruby called, gaining their attention. "Uh, do you think... maybe you guys could stay for another day? Maybe at the Schnee Manor," she asked with a sheepish shrug.

Jaune jolted. "T-The Schnee Manor. . . Where Willow still is," Jaune muttered. "Ow-ow-ow-ow," Jaune went as Nimueh yanked his ear.

"Thanks, but no. Let's leave, babe."

"Not a second to waste," Jaune said as Nimueh released him. Jaune then grabbed the King's Glaive and threw it out of the still exposed hole in the building.

"WHY," Dante yelled when he saw that.

Jaune then lifted Argent and Nimueh before making a run for it. When he jumped out of the window, he made sure to turn toward everyone. "LATER," he yelled as he fell, followed by Argent's "YAHOO!"

"D-DID THAT LUNATIC JUST JUMP OUT A HUNDRED STORY BUILDING WITH MY KID," Ruby yelled before she and the rest of the women ran towards the hole.

Before they reached it, Neverflame whooshed past the hole, surprising the older women. They then watched as the flaming Grimm flew off with the Arc Family on its back, holding the King's Glaive in its talons, screeching majestically as it flew.

"BYE, MOM! BYE AUNT WINTER! BYE AUNT WIESS," Argent called as they flew off into the horizon.

Ruby let out a relieved sigh. "Sometimes I hate that man," she said.

"I hate him, too," Weiss said.

"I like my uncle," Silber said.

"Yes. He makes things quite entertaining," Shiva said.

Weiss and Ruby sighed before walking away, Winter still watching with a smile

"Until next time, hero."


A/N: FINALLY! WE'VE REACHED THE END OF THE NEW MANTLE ARC! And this time, no kingdoms were destroyed by infighting. I think it ended pretty well, don't you think? Anyway, we're not off to Vaccuo, where everyone's favorite Monkey Faunus awaits! But the next chapter is going to be fun. Hope you lot like bandits.

Until next time!