Multiplayer

by NeoShadows

Life is a game. In an attempt to save a friend during the Breach, Jaune Arc died. Brought back to life with powers of a Gamer, he must now attempt to beat the game called life. He's not alone though. Every win or lose ends in a Reset, so how will he beat a game that never ends?

17. Worth

I! The Great NeoShadows, have returned!

Sup? Now, I know what many of you are thinking. Why have I been gone for almost an entire month when I promised that this chapter would be finished by Thursday? And to answer that question, I have only one thing to say to you!

I was binging, again. Along with finished some more anime that I had been meaning to get to, I was also preoccupied with my copy of Pokemon Moon. Oh, did I play that game none-stop when it arrived, not even looking at my computer as I trained my pokemon on this new adventure. I had just finished the game too when my copy of Final Fantasy XV came in. Luckily, I was able to stave that off long enough to finish Chapter 17 and its DLC along with getting Chapter 18 going. Also got some news on the story for ya's.

Instead of uploading every Thursdays, I will be uploading every Saturday instead. That way I can edit late into the night seeing as I don't work on the weekends. Not to mention I've had to work with some new pieces to the story. I swear, this story is evolving everyday, and with Volume 4's episodes, I'm able to connect so much missing pieces together.

Now, onto some reviews!

Rantam11: That's no plot hole. During Events like this, all Players are able to kill another in the time span that the Event is up. The reason why is still unknown, but its important.

GhostHornet: I try to keep things fresh, so do expect the occasional weird shit here and there. Blake's DLC is going to be a whooper! As for Anna, you'll see in this chapter. You know, I'm actually a fan of Jaune/Nora. I can't help it, I love shipping him with almost every girl to see the interactions of their dynamic, one of the reasons why I love playing Fire Emblem Awakening and Fates.

Remzal Von Enili: Nice theory, but nope! It's much more complicated then that. Though, I will say it has to do with Jaune's death. The hints are there, I wonder if you'll discover it?

DigitalEmperor001: I hope to reach that point too, just got to spread the word of my story. Sometimes I think people turn away from it because of it being a Gamer fic. Most of those fics are just riddled with gaming mechanics and texts that take away from the stories word count. Oh, trust me, the day when all four girls realize that will come.

Writer with Bad Grammar T-T: I do my best to make this story well written. Especially keeping the characters within character, which can be difficult. Writing Ironwood had actually been a bit of a pain. With this story being a Gamer fic, I can see why some people would be turned away from it. Most of them are filled with gaming mechanics, which can be a turn off. Hopefully they'll turn back to give it another chance. KS, oh, that ability is going to be 'interesting'. For the pairing, I've mentioned that it's currently a joke harem. But, once this story reaches its end, it will have Epilogues, one-shots with different endings with some of the girls that he's become romantically interested in. I guess it still counts as a harem, maybe I should make a harem end?

Unchanined: Wow, you just described what I've been saying since the start of this fic. And I thank you for giving this story another read. That's what I wanted out of this fic, I wanted to create a Gamer fic that wasn't saturated with numbing stats and mechanics. I wanted an actual story centered around it, making a twist out of it. Imagine if I wrote down all those mechanics, this story would be reaching five hundred thousand words by now. Maybe. I feel that's the reason why people pass this story, because of the reasons you wrote down. Eventually though, I'm sure they'll give this story a chance and become fans like you. The Ann arc did run long, I'll admit that. It was planned out to be about six chapters long, but these fingers of mine won't stop typing! Glad you gave it another go, I won't disappoint you.

Zachary2: I tend to do that. Some part of me just wants to say fuck it, and write the lemons to relieve the blues. It's a hard fight to resist that voice in my head, egging me on to write smut. Pairing is a joke harem, for shits and giggles. But I do have something planned for the multiple pairings in the end of the story, so don't worry.

Sarinman: Feel no shame, brother. I've been there as well. Do I regret it? No. Would I do it again? . . .I don't want to answer that in front of the internet.

Luther Cross: You know, I am working on writing descriptions for Jaune's skills and abilities. Instead of making a separate thing, I'm going to put them down at the end of each chapter that they are brought up, including going back to earlier chapters too.

SonicFanFlame: The Game is confusing. It's a being of untold power and form. More of which will be explained as the story goes on. Do I trigger you? Good, gooood.

A Fan1204: All about the mega's, baby! I swear, if they ever made a Fire Emblem like game out of RWBY, that would be a pairing I would like to see just for the interactions. I got a thing for crack pairings, it's an addiction, you could say. As hard as I try to shake the Fairy Tail out of me, things like this still slip in. But! Will Jaune continue with the naive belief that can win this game without killing? Time will only tell. Huh, guess I actually gave Jaune's harem a purpose. . .Sweet. The team interactions, I honestly felt I could have done better too. But, I've planned to spread it out throughout the chapters after this. Like Blake's talk, that's coming along soon. And Velvet's got a date scheduled. Oh, it seems you're getting somewhere with your theory. But while it does have to do with the Lieutenant killing Jaune, it's not him speaking to him. You're getting there, you bastard.

Man, do I need some more medicine. I've been forced to drink hot water mixed with hot chocolate, no milk, while I've been sick. It's good, but I miss drinking coffee. Weeks been fucking me with this flu, but I'm feeling better. Chapter 18 is coming along, I plan to get back to writing it after I've uploaded before going to sleep. We'll see if about another DLC for next week. let's see what strikes me up. If you got a suggestion, let me know.

Let's get this chapter going already! I'm sure you've all waited long enough for it. Enjoy!

---

Disclaimer: I do not own the rights to RWBY. All rights belong to RoosterTeeth. So, Weiss and Blake have moms after all? Damn my inner pervert, all I can think about is MILF. As if having Summer and Raven wasn't enough. Now I want to write something pairing them with Jaune, just for the kicks. Truly, I am a shameless writer and pervert. And I have no shame.

---

Chapter 17: Worth.

Cinder was a calm woman. Well, most of the times. Problem with having to work with individuals like Roman Torchwick and Adam Taurus was that she had to deal with their loose cannon ways. One wanted to gallivant around Vale and rob every Dust shop with style and flair for the worlds attention, and the other disdained her very presence and would stab her in the back the moment she showed weakness. Unfortunately she had use for them, their skills were crucial to her plans in finding the Fall Maiden. For now she would have to deal with their mess until she had no use for them any longer.

Her fingers drummed against her crossed arms as she looked onto the last of the damages wrought by the surprise attack her hideout had sustained in the mess that was the FoF, her eyes shut as she collected her thoughts in the rhythmic hammering around her.

"Again, do tell me how one simple intruder was capable of destroying 15% of our Dust, let alone find our location when Vale's own law enforcement is none the wiser? I believed that your men were on lookout, so how was it that our security was breached so easily?" Cinder's yellow glare was set onto the back of one Adam Taurus, the man nonchalantly overseeing his men fixing the damages.

Normal men would cower under such a scathing gaze, but Adam's fallen under it so many times in his endless life that it no longer had much affect. Sure, the woman was still currently stronger than himself for the moment, but with his powers and experience he could still take her out. It would be a long arduous boss battle that had a chance of ending with his death, but he had done it before. Cinder was important though, that he couldn't deny. Especially her ties to Salem, he would need them both to reach his End. She was as much an asset to him as he was to her.

"My men were on lookout, problem was they weren't prepared to deal with a man leagues above their training." Inclining his head back to Cinder's direction, Adam continued, "Make no mistake, this was no simple intruder. He was skilled, capable of easily dispatching whatever opposition in his path and bypass our terminals with ease. Fighting him was no easy task."

It was actually enjoyable. Those cybernetics of his had made the fight interesting. Fighting cyborgs was always fun. Or was it androids?

"That does little to excuse their failure." Cinder said coldly, her eyes glowing with a spike of anger. "If so much as one person was capable of locating our position, there's no telling if more will follow."

"And? I don't see what you're so worried about?" Adam scoffed, "The Friends of Faunus have been disbanded, their own leader dying in a pool of his own blood. Without their leader, their members immediately surrendered to the police without a fight. No one's left to stumble upon our operations again. That you can trust me." he grinned savagely.

Cinder refused to drop her glare. That alone wasn't enough to satisfy her, "Our security was still breached. I expect you to remedy that. Our systems are finally online again and I'm having them scanned for any bugs the intruder may have left behind. I will not take a chance on our location being tracked. Don't forget," she walked to his side, her smile dark and deadly as the faint aura of flames escaped her eye, "We're both partners in this. We wouldn't want either one of us losing our trust in one another. Would we?"

Trust? Ha, what a joke. They both knew that once they out lived the others use they would off each other the moment they had. Had to admit, working alongside her did have its perks and fun. There was just something about fighting against the world that brought a grin to his face. Had to do something till he found a way to end The Game under his terms.

"No, I suppose not."

Nodding his head, Adam gave one last look back to his men before heading out. Things would go slow for a bit until the Breach reared its eventful head again. Might as well polish up on his lesser used skills. Fighting Naragami had reminded him that he couldn't blitz his way through most enemies. Who knew leaving one man alive would come back to bite him. He chuckled at the memory of their fight and its end result. How strong could a man become after being left for dead twice?

Such arrogance. Cinder sighed, shutting her eyes to calm her thoughts again. The man truly was a monster, the air he carried himself with was almost overwhelming to the ordinary man. Even with half the Fall maidens powers within her, she could still feel its pressure bare down onto her like snarling fangs. It was thanks to that power that she didn't have to worry about dealing with the man. If it ever came down to it, she would still put him down like the animal he was.

A buzzing on her scroll broke her from her thoughts. Taking it out, she read her message, her lips quirking as her shoulders eased.

Seems the fake transcripts from Shade academy had gone through with no problems. Say what you will about Roman Torchwick, but the man knew how to forge a document. Now they simply had to wait for the Vytal festival to slip in. Phase 1 was going along smoothly despite a bump or two. Wonder if her old school uniform still fit?

Passing the underground halls of their hideout, Adam threw up his hand, clawing his fingers in the air as they glowed with energy. Like peeling off plastic wrap, the illusion of the walls beside him were torn away, revealing a smirking orange haired man wearing a black bowler hat. A small woman with mismatched eyes of pink and brown stood beside him, her hair colored like neopolitan ice cream and twirling a parasol umbrella in her hand with a small grin.

"Roman, what a surprise." Adam said blandly, tilting his head to face the so called master thief.

Roman gasped in dramatic shock, taking a step back from the horned faunus, "Adam? What a surprise indeed! Didn't think I'd be running into you in these halls. What are the chances of that, Neo?" he asked his assistant innocently.

Neo shrugged her shoulders, her eyes wide like a child. Woman could pull it off, it weren't for the deadly glint in those psychotic eyes of her's. One of the few NPC's that put even Adam on edge.

Chuckling, Roman turned his green eyes back to Adam, an easy grin on his face, "It really is good to catch up with old friends. You've been so busy leading your people as of late. Tell me, how's good old Sienna Khan doing? Still as ferocious and savage as always?"

Faster then the master thief could see, the blood red blade of Wilt tickled the skin of his jugular. Adam's masked face stared him down, the slits glowing a dark red tint.

"Don't. Speak. His. Name." he whispered scathingly.

"What? Don't tell me our false leader is sour about his illusion of power? Or does your leader's name haunt you?" the blade pressed harder against his neck. If he pressed just a bit more the damn faunus would be staining his nice suit with his own blood. Wouldn't that be a shame.

Red stained Adam's vision, his grip on his chokuto shaking as memories of his many lives crept from their graves. A bloody scream clouded his thoughts along with a black ribbon laying in a pool of blood and empty gun shells. Fire blossomed, devouring the memories as he regained control of himself.

"What do you want?" Adam's arm blurred, sheathing his weapon back into Blush as he straightened his back. No need to lose control, not when it was so early in The Game.

"Just a moment." Roman held up a finger as her rubbed his jugular with a slight wince, his gaze moving over to his tiny assistant boredly twirling her hair around her finger without a care, "Neo, in case you may have forgotten, I pay you for protection and many other services to keep your insatiable ice cream stuffing habit going. So, do tell me why you let our good friend Adam nearly stab me through my neck? Just for curiosities sake." he lightly glared.

Neo tapped her lips in thought, her eyes rapidly switching between pink, brown, green, and white. Coming to a conclusion, she nodded her head firmly as she cocked her hip, giving her boss a thumbs up and a winning grin.

"What do you mean, 'I got this'? I do not pay you to stand around and look cute, I pay to hide in the shadows and stab. You failed at number one, and number two. Guess who's not going out for frozen treats after this?"

Neo huffed, pouting as she kicked the wall. He shook his head at the sight. Half the time he wondered if she was child and not a mute killing machine.

"Where were we again? Oh! Right, we were catching up." Leaning on his cane, Roman took a moment to slip a cigar from the pocket of his suit along with his favorite lighter. Smoke filled his lungs, the nicotine taste bringing a smile to his face. Always eased his nerves. "Well my next little escapade is going to need some decent man power to carry the luggage. Your boys are always capable enough to get the job done compared to Junior's, so mind sending a few my way? It would really help a brother out." he grinned smoothly as he blew out some smoke.

Adam grimaced as he waved away the smoke. Never understood why idiots smoked the damn things. Nothing but death awaited them, "It would have been simpler to go to Cinder for more men. Why hide in your illusions to ask me such a simple question?"

"You know how it is with the woman, Adam. Talk to her and she subtly applies her dominance over you, maybe even singe a bit of your skin, her yellow eyes glow with fire, and she gives you that condescending smirk of hers. Which is sexy in that femfatale kind of way, but mama warned me of sleeping with crazy. Then the kids of hers are brought in and it turns into a whole thing I rather not get into. Talking to you is much better and less painful. After all," Roman chuckled, his green eyes shining with mischief as he leaned back.

"Our kind has to stick together."

The grip on Adam's hilt tightened. An overbearing force threatened to crush his being like a rusted tin can. A single bead of sweat ran down his face before Roman's easy grin as the very air visibly wavered.

Sucking in another lungful of smoke, Roman tipped off his cigar as he fixed his suit. Had to be careful with the damn ashes. Didn't need to send another suit to the cleaners because of his little habit. Whatever pressure bore down upon Adam vanished into thin air, causing him to gasp for fresh air. He grit his teeth angrily, fighting the urge to cut the stylish man down where he stood.

"I do so enjoy these talks of ours. We should really do it more often over a drink or two. I'll be sure to reserve us a nice little spot at Junior's, he still owes me a solid after all. Heard he recently finished repairing his dance floor to boot. Might even meet a nice little pussy cat while we're there." Down to the last of his nicotine treat, Roman dropped it to the floor, grounding it to fine ash with the butt of Melodic Cudgel. He nodded his head to Neo, patting the bull headed faunus on the back as he walked on. Dust was a'calling and he needed to look his best as he robbed the city blind.

"Don't get cocky, things are about to change. I've met them, I'm sure you'll be meeting them soon enough."

Roman stopped, his back turned to Adam as he silently looked ahead in thought. Neo looked at him in confusion, wondering why her boss had stopped. Wasn't like him to gain such a look on his face.

A lax grin slipped on his face as he nodded, continuing to walk on as his assistant followed after.

"Well then, I suppose I'll just have to be on my best behavior. Wouldn't want to leave a bad first impression." he chuckled ominously.

As Roman left for whatever robbery he was going on next, Adam regained his composure. Damn old man, and they said he was a monster.

---

"This is torture! What kind of person subjects another human to such punishment!"

Sweat poured down Jaune's face as he jogged in a white T-shirt he had laying around and blue shorts. Beside him, Pyrrha nodded her head as she joined him in his jogging around Beacon in her own exercise wear consisted of a gray sweat top and shorts.

"I agree. Jaune's still recovering from his injuries, he's not fit enough for this level of training."

Appearing beside her fellow blonde, Yang shrugged uncaringly as she smacked Jaune's shoulder, earning her a shout of pain from the panting huntsman. Like her friends she was dressed in similar wear in an orange top and black tight shorts, smirking as she caught a few wolf whistles from the students around the courtyard.

"Too bad. His arm's hurt, not his legs. And after the sorry state we found him in, I've decided to up his training regimen. That means four laps around Beacon Academy instead of his usual two. Gotta build up your stamina and drop those five pounds we've been working on!" she grinned widely before lightly frowning in thought, "That reminds me, why are you joining him in his training? You know you don't have to mother him twenty four seven. Sends the wrong messages~!" she teased.

Pyrrha blushed, "Like I said, he's still recovering. And you do have a tendency to play rough. Besides, I'm his partner. If he's training, then I should be with him. Can't have you hogging him all to yourself." she mumbled with a pout. Wasn't fair that everyone else got to spend time with her leader.

'What I wouldn't do for Nora to break my legs. Another broken bone is better then this hell.' Was this punishment for lying to them for so long? If so, Karma was a vengeful bitch. With all the sweat running down his body, Jaune was going to need a shower after this. Only problem was that having only one arm made things very difficult.

Two days had gone by since Jaune had woken up in the hospital after the events of the FoF. The doctors had cleared him the next day, warning him not to strain his arm so it could heal right and handed him some medication in case the pain became too much. At most it would take a week, week and a half, for his arm to be fully healed. Aura was great for healing wounds, but mending things such as bones was a lot more complicated. If the bone was set wrong, or there was some complication, then the aura would mend it wrong. And they would have to break it all over again to set it right. Some rest was his best bet on making a full recovery.

But Jaune was a huntsman. Wasn't much rest for the protectors of humanity. At least Yang had the decency to wait another day before dragging him out to train. Still acted like a slave driver though.

With classes for the day over with, the buxom boxer had clamped her hands over his shoulder and thrown him into his dorm room to change, threatening to go in there and do it herself. Not wanting Yang to see him in his birthday suit and be teased mercilessly, Jaune had changed into his exercise wear with some struggle. Making it to the dorm before him, Pyrrha had argued with going out to train so soon but relented only if she went along too. If he was going to make up to her their lack of time together then she may as well join him in his training.

Catching a bench coming up by the courtyard fountain, Yang decided to give Jaune a break. Couldn't have him dying on her after surviving near death. Coming to a stop, she wiped her own forehead of sweat as Jaune and Pyrrha fell in alongside her. "Let's take a breather, Vomit boy. You look like you're about to pass out." she said with a joking grin.

"Not a joke, I'm really going to pass out if I go another step." Jaune gasped, swallowing as much air as his greedy lungs could drink. Was his vision suppose to be swimming? With a pained moan, Jaune fell back onto the grass, sighing in content against the oddly comforting blades of green. A bottle of chilled water greeted his eyes, thanking whatever gods watched over them for Pyrrha's kindness.

"Thanks, Pyrrha. Don't know what I would do without you."

"A lot more if you didn't go off on your own." the redhead said flatly as she sat beside his laid form. Jaune groaned at the stab to his guilt. They wouldn't be letting that go anytime soon.

Alright, guess they were just ignoring the nice bench for three then. Yang shrugged as she sat next to them on the bed of grass. It was more comforting then hard wood. Her purple eyes fell on Jaune's cast arm, riddled with writing from his friends and classmates in different colored ink. Slight guilt ate away at her. Taking him out so soon to train was a bit of a jerk move. If she was being honest with herself, she only did it to spend some time with him. These training sessions of theirs were always fun, it was nice to have someone listen to her advice and chill with. Blake was becoming one of her best friends, but she wasn't into the things she liked, like playing video games. Jaune on the other hand was a gamer like herself.

"We can stop right here for today, Jaune. Pyrrha's right, starting up your training this early isn't such a good idea. Can't have you back in the hospital again." she said softly, looking up at the still blue sky with not a cloud in sight.

Despite the pain and sweat, Jaune shook his head, "Don't worry, I can still keep going. Like you said, my arm's the only thing broken. After fighting Holt, I've learned that my stamina still needs improvement. I could barely lift my sword halfway through the fight." Pain no gain. Any chance in raising his stats he would take. Plus he missed training with Yang, it was their way of bonding.

The last few days had really spoke to him about how lacking he was. Despite being capable of standing his ground against enemies that would normally pound him to the ground, it no longer was enough. He needed to be better then good enough, he needed to be strong as the people he was surrounded by. He needed to be a huntsman. Which left him with one idea on how to achieve that.

Looking up at the afternoon sky, Jaune raised his bandaged right arm up to the sky. He was going to have to make a note of never using Shatter Armament again. The ability was too powerful to use after he had read over its description. Shatter Armament, by breaking the limits of a Player's Strength they are able to summon an incredibly powerful armament from another world, capable of destroying whatever weapon in its way. But it came at a cost. The limb equipped with the armament would shatter as payment, ignoring any defenses or aura along with dropping the Player's Strength by 75%. Still, if he hadn't discovered the new ability he wasn't sure that he would have survived his fight. That and it cost a hefty amount of AP to equip.

Like Ruby had said, no more. Couldn't win his fights by a hairs breath any longer. Nearly dying twice in one day wasn't good for his health.

"Still can't believe you shattered your arm into pieces." Yang whistled, gazing at Jaune's cast as she laid back beside him. Her training regiment must be really working if he had delivered a blow powerful enough to result in such a traumatic break.

Jaune chuckled at the attention falling said arm, "I can't either. I'm lucky Nurse Sprig and the doctors were able to fix the pieces back in place. Aura really is a handy thing."

"Speaking of aura, what is your semblance? I've never really understood what it does, but it looks like it's the reason you can do those fancy tricks of yours." Yang mused, thinking back to his earlier fights.

Pyrrha was curious as well. As semblances went, Jaune's was unique from what she could tell. It allowed him to change the appearance of his weapon and its functions. She'd never seen anything like it.

Jaune scratched his head in thought, brows furrowing as he tried to come up with an answer. Couldn't exactly tell them he was basically a video game character that could learn crazy moves and skills that could defy logic. And for what he had planned later on, he was going to need to come up with some sort of explanation for his abilities. Just going to have to make something up.

"I don't really have a name for it. All I know is that it lets me. . .summon things to fight with. And those items and weapons grant me special powers. Still don't understand it myself." Jaune smoothly lied, his face sheepish as he put down his arm.

Nodding her head, Pyrrha tapped her lips in thought. She was right, his semblance truly was unique. It was unlike anything she had ever heard of. His fighting style alone could change based on the weapon he summoned.

"Summoning? That's pretty cool." Yang grinned, "So, what? Can you summon some buster sword and instantly know how to fight with it? Or summon even a dragon to fight beside you like in RPG's?" Just thinking of the possibilities made her giddy.

"Don't know. I'm still trying to understand it and what I can do with it. Summoning a dragon would be pretty cool. Would have been really useful a few days ago." Jaune grumbled.

No one would dare fight a guy wielding a dragon of all things.

Shrugging her shoulders, Yang turned her eyes back to the sky, sighing in content. It was good for things to be back to normal again. Action was great and all, but it was the downtime hanging out with friends that she truly enjoyed. Especially after Jaune's near death. Just laying down next to him put her at ease.

"Then we should train your semblance. If we focus on its abilities, there is no telling what you'll be able to summon." Pyrrha suggested.

"It's a little more complicated then that, Pyrrha." Jaune tried to explain. At least this gave him time to figure out how to explain his powers in a way that made sense to normal people. "The items and weapons I summon appear kinda randomly, usually after I've gotten stronger. Focusing on it doesn't do much other then summon what I've discovered, training seems to be the only way to discover new ones."

"That's why you're so insistent on training?"

"Pretty much, that and Yang was right. My hand to hand was pathetic until she started training me. Now if I ever lose my weapon, I can stand a chance against my opponent. I think I might even win a match without my weapons."

"Eh, you're getting there alright. But you still don't stand a chance against fighters like me and Pyrrha." Yang winked as she ruffled Jaune's hair, "Though if you were up against someone like Ruby, then you would be able to beat her without her weapon or semblance. Should have really taught her how to fight without them." That would come to bite her little sister in the back one day.

Stretching out her arms with a groan, Yang kicked her feet up, pushing herself off the ground and onto her feet. That was enough relaxing for the moment. If he wanted to continue his training then who was she to deny him? While he couldn't practice his hand to hand right now, she could still build up his strength and stamina.

"If you're still feeling like running another lap more, then let's go. After that, we got forty squats and you'll be good for the day. Going to have to take things light for a bit till your arm's back to a hundred percent. We should be able to work up an appetite after this." Yang licked her lips at the thought of food. They were serving roasted turkey, homemade apple pie, three cheese macaroni, and mountains of mash potatoes. A holiday feast!

With Pyrrha's support, Jaune stood back up, ready to go. A broken arm wouldn't stop him from going an extra mile.

---

Ruby giggled as she poked her straw against Jaune's head over the table of the lunchroom. The blonde knight's forehead laid against the table, too tired to raise it up and politely ask her to stop. Instead he moaned groggily as his hand weakly slapped her straw away. Could she not tell he was exhausted?

"I still can't believe they let you all back into the cafeteria so early. I thought Nora had been banned for entire semester?" Weiss asked as she took a sip of her ice cold water.

"Yes, but after helping the law enforcement in Vale stop the FoF, they thought it would be rewarding to let her set foot onto the their grounds early. All they ask for is that we keep a close eye on Nora and prevent any sort of mishaps as before from happening again." Pyrrha explained from her spot beside Jaune, her brow twitching slightly with a strained smile.

"You need to finish eating. We told you it wasn't a good idea to start training so early. Now you need your strength, whether you like it or not."

"But I can't! My good arm feels like a wet noodle, just like my legs. I don't even think I have the strength to chew."

"You don't need to chew mash potatoes. But if it helps you eat, I'll mush the rest of your food."

Pyrrha's smile creaked, watching by as Blake sat on Jaune's left, helping her exhausted partner eat his dinner with a stoic expression on her face. But the ninja girl couldn't fool her eye's, she could see that slight lift in the girl's lips as she stuffed the blonde's face with mash potatoes. Damn her, damn her for having more courage than her! That should have been her feeding Jaune intimately!

Swallowing his food, Jaune blushed as he pushed Blake's hand away, "That's not really necessary, Blake. I'm just being dramatic is all. I can feed myself just fine." Someone was being awfully motherly as of late.

Blake huffed as she put down Jaune's spoon, "Well with how beaten up you still are, you have to forgive me for believing you still have trouble gripping even a spoon. It is my fault you're like this."

"It's not, and I'm better then I was a few days ago. My wounds are all healed, all that's left is this broken arm of mine." Jaune gestured to his still bandaged arm, "Besides the few scars here and there, I'm perfectly fine." he chuckled good naturally.

"Like that scar on your forehead?" Weiss deadpanned with a fine quirk of her scarred brow, "I am still baffled how you could survive a headshot like that. Even with aura, it should have been enough to cause brain damage. I think." she frowned in thought. Never heard of a case of a huntsman dying of a headshot with their aura fully in tact. Still, if it was enough to break his skin, then the bullet should have continued in its path and broken through his skull.

"I think it looks cool. Makes me look kind of rugged, don't you think?" Jaune winked with a flirtatious grin and wiggle of his brows.

Weiss gave him a flat glare, slowly raising her finger up to said blonde's forehead before flicking his newest scar.

"Ow!"

"Truthfully, I'm not a fan of scars. Scars are a permanent reminder of your mistakes. Which makes sense why you have your fair share. A doofus like yourself has probably made more then he can count." Weiss huffed as she went back to her meal with a smile.

"Weiss, be nice." Ruby chided as she patted the now dejected blonde knight, "He's still recovering, I don't think he can handle your rejections just yet."

"That's his fault. How am I the bad guy for saying no?"

"Yeah, but it's like saying no to a puppy. Just look at that face!"

Again, Weiss stared flatly at Jaune as Ruby reached across the table to lift his head up to her face. His quivering lip and wide blue eyes gazing back at her hopefully did little to sway her thoughts.

"So, are you a dog now?" she asked plainly.

"Eh, woof, woof?"

". . .No."

"Shot down again! That makes it four times today!"

"Nora, you aren't helping." Ren sighed, watching as said girl took tally of Jaune's rejections on a notebook. At least she was on her best behavior. Nora was a social creature, she needed attention.

"Other then your usual attitude towards vomit boy," Yang mused, ignoring the indignant 'hey' from said blonde, she looked curiously at her white haired teammate and her rather cheery attitude, "What's with you lately? You've been smiling pleasantly since Monday nonstop. It's kinda freaking me out."

"Hush, you." Weiss said pointedly before her smile came back strong as ever, "But, if you must know, the reason for my rather pleasant demeanor is due to my older sister having stopped by Vale. I was lucky enough to be excused from classes to spend the afternoon with her before she had left back to Atlas. Said she had some classified business to handle that was finished with and that she had enough time to catch up on." she sighed in content. It wasn't often that she could talk to her sister anymore, not since she had left for the academy before joining the military. Whitley wasn't the most talkative of siblings, and their was something off about her brother that she could never put her finger on. Winter was the only other person that she felt could understand her. Having had the chance to meet with her after so long was a dream come true.

A loud thud caught her attention along with the rest of the two teams. Their eyes fell on the blonde knight, his head once again smacking into the table. It looked like he was shivering for some reason.

"Jaune, is something wrong?" Pyrrha asked with a hint of worry in her voice as she laid her hand on his back.

Jaune shook his head sheepishly, his eyes glazing over slightly at the memory of his encounter with a certain snow haired goddess.

---

"Wha?"

Winter Schnee, eldest of daughter of the Schnee family, one of General Ironwoods finest specialist, and all around ice queen, titled her head to side in confusion at the boy gazing back at her with a dropped jaw. Wasn't exactly the first time she had seen such a reaction before, but it was still an oddity, especially coming from one so injured as the Arc boy. Meeting the general of Atlas was shocking she supposed.

Straightening her posture, Winter nodded her head as Jaune picked up his jaw, "As I said, my name is Winter Schnee, a Specialist under the command of General and Headmaster James Ironwood of Atlas. And he would like to have a word with you." she said in professional manner.

None of which Jaune had understood as his mind had frozen still, capturing the beautiful goddess of a woman standing at his bed side. Her fair complexion, white hair done in a bun that allowed her bangs to fall over the right side of her face and eye, pale blue eyes, and the single stray of curled hair falling over her right ear; it brought a blush to his face. Not to mention her posture made her impressive chest stick out. But one word had stuck out to him, enough to bypass her beauty and snap him out of his daze.

"Wait, Schnee?" Jaune frowned, shaking his head as his full attention fell on Winter. The stare made her scowl mildly.

Here they go. Another person interested in the Schnee name. Winter sighed as she nodded her head stiffly. Should have seen that coming. With the Schnee name being so well known by their products, and unfortunately, their shady business practices, her name was bound to bring attention. It was hardly ever the good kind.

"By any chance are you related to Weiss Schnee?"

At that, Winter blinked, completely caught off guard for once. Of all the things she was expecting out of the boy that was certainly not on her list. Her eyes narrowed, "Yes, Weiss Schnee is my sister, my younger sister. Why do you ask?" she asked with suspicion.

"Weiss is a friend, kinda. Her team and my own always hang out. I never knew she had an older sister though." Jaune mused to himself. It was like his whole world had been turned upside down with that little tidbit.

Winter quirked an elegant brow, "Really. I thought Weiss would have made more. . .adequate friends."

"Was that an insult? I feel like that was an insult."

"As interesting as this conversation would be, the General is short on time as it is. It's very urgent that we move things along." They could talk later on. If this boy was friends with her sister, then she would have to evaluate him herself. Couldn't have someone who only saw the Schnee name associated with her.

Brushing back a lock of hair, Winter's fingers tapped swiftly on her scroll. With a final tap, she nodded her head in satisfaction before walking to the end of Jaune's bed where she laid her tablet on the ground. A blue light shined from the end of his bed, widening to reveal a hologram of General Ironwood standing before him, his arms crossed as he looked sternly at the bed ridden knight.

"Greetings, Jaune Arc. My name is James Ironwood, General of the Atlas Military and Headmaster of it's academy." Ironwood introduced himself politely.

Even in hologram form, the general carried a stern and intimidating presence about himself. Jaune gulped, nodding his head stiffly as he spoke to the general.

"Hello, sir. It's pleasure to meet you acquaintance." Jaune smiled nervously, doing his best not to sweat.

Ironwood chuckled. There was no real reason to be nervous. All he wanted to do was talk. Then again, with how much he really knew about the Arc boy, he supposed that Jaune had every reason to be nervous. It would be easy to crack the boy of information. But no, it wouldn't do him much good to play with that tactic, especially with Ozpin watching closely over the boy.

"Settle down, Jaune. I am simply another teacher like your own in Beacon, your nervous attitude isn't warranted. I am simply here to ask you a few questions is all. Questions concerning to the Friends of Faunus." Ironwoods eyes hardened, uncrossing his arms as he stared down the blonde boy. The information he held could greatly help him in discovering Merlot's locations. Anything at all would come at a great help at this point.

Jaune frowned, "Friends of Faunus? Couldn't you go to the Vale City Police for information on them now that they've been taking down? Why come to me?" he asked.

"That's simple. Unlike the whole of the world, I know that FoF hadn't been taken down by the police with the help of a few huntsman in training. They were toppled, their leader and master, single handedly taken out, by You." he bit out with a hint of frustration. His knuckles tightened as Jaune visibly flinched, the memories of his first kill jumping back from the back of his mind. "I know about your undercover investigation with the police. I had originally warned them that I would personally handle the situation in Vale if they didn't prove to me that they had things under control. And the very day that I had planned on sending my men with the approval of Vale's council, they inform me of their inside contact within the FoF and the drop of activity. I trusted them to handle things, this was after all their problem, not Atlas's, but on the single condition of one thing. One thing that you broke so carelessly."

"You killed Holt Delmos."

Again, he was reminded of what he had done. Why couldn't they just leave him alone? The memories were bad enough to deal with. Didn't need to be reminded anymore today of his mistake.

Shadows obscured Jaune's face as he looked away. The hell did they want him to say? "So? What do you want from me? All that I knew was handed over to the police. There's nothing more that I know of that would help you out." he said bitterly.

"You don't seem to understand." Ironwood shook his head, his eyes narrowing at the boy trying to ignore him, "Holt was a man of not just great skill, but of great importance. He was responsible for funding many of Atlas's military projects before he abandoned his country to humanize the faunus. And had ties to a very dangerous man who's been illegally experimenting with Grimm."

"Wait, you mean the Mutants?" Jaune couldn't help but ask curiously. Those were some nasty Grimm, unlike anything he had ever fought before until he had stepped foot into the UGC. Special enemies created by The Game and its Remix.

"Mutants? So, that's what they're called. Grimm modified by an outside force, not unlike a Variant Grimm." Scientist back at Atlas had gone to dubbing the beasts Enhanced Grimm. Mutants seemed much more fitting due to their unique mutations. Saving it for later, Ironwood pressed on, "Yes, the Mutants are creatures of Grimm created by Dr. Merlot, a once brilliant scientist who had lost his way in his studying of the twisted monsters. He is believed to be responsible for the flux of Grimm that eventually overran Mt. Glenn. He was believed to have died in its collapse, but recent developments these past few years beg to differ. I knew before Holt's departure he had been in contact with an unknown contact that helped further his own studies in some unknown experiment I have yet to uncover. And with his death, I no longer have any way of finding the man's whereabouts!"

Ironwood's holographic fist slammed down onto Jaune's bedside, phasing by its metal frame. Standing by her general's side, Winter jumped a bit with his rise in voice. Wasn't often that you would see the normally calm general so frustrated. She turned her eyes to the blonde boy, expecting to find him shaking in his bed. Instead, she was taken by surprise to find the boy's blue eyes glaring coldly at the holographic image of Ironwood.

"I never meant to kill Holt in our fight. What happened was a mistake that I wish with every fiber of my being to take back! Sorry that my mistake has set you back, but I don't know anything about Dr. Merlot!" Jaune growled, flinching one of his eyes in pain as he gripped is broken arm in his anger. Pain lanced up his arm, worsening with his medication now worn off. What he wouldn't do for some of the pain medication he was promised, "All that I do know is that Holt had been paying for the Mutants for his blood games. I may have gone in there to discover his secrets, but I was never close to him. Everything that I had found out was due to An-"

Jaune bit down on his tongue, shutting his lips to stop himself from saying anymore. Ann had been in enough trouble with the fall of the FoF, bringing someone like General Ironwood to wherever she was would only further drive a wedge between them.

"You were saying, Mr. Arc?" Ironwood scowled sternly, crossing his arms as his fingers tapped on against his sleeve "If you know anyone who may know more of Holt's dealings, then please, elaborate. Such information is vital in bringing in a man that can wipe out any town or village if he so pleased. I can not stress the importance of this enough then I can."

Seeing the blonde boy continue to remain silent, Ironwood massaged the bridge of his nose with a sigh. Stubborn, just like his father had been. Fine, he had other ways of making people like the boy talk. He could always apologize to Ozpin on a later time.

"Mr. Arc, if I may ask you, how exactly did you enter Beacon Academy?"

Jaune's head snapped up to meet the general's hologram eyes, his heart stopping as his eyes widened. What did he just say? He ground his teeth in frustration catching the knowing look in the general's eyes. No, how was it that he had been found out now? Especially when the Headmaster had never said a thing about his acceptance.

"I. . .graduated basic combat school like everyone else. Why?" Jaune asked, trying his best to keep his cool and steady his breathing.

"Really? So why is it that when I try to find any records of your history in any combat school I find nothing as much as a mention of your name? All huntsman and huntresses in training have records proving their worth, and if not, then they would face the entrance exam for those who were unable to attend a school to be accepted." The general's stern features hardened, not fond of the poor lie he was being feed. Only a complete fool would fall for such pathetic excuse of transcripts. And Ozpin was far from such a thing.

"Uhhh, bug in the servers?"

"Atlas tech prides itself in ironclad defenses, both on our walls and in our programming. Trust me when I say there was no mistake." Ironwood glared impatiently. "As far I know, you're a ghost, caught in the middle of a bloody end of a group of humanizers lead by a man that had once supported my tech. As far as I'm concerned, you had no right to step foot on to such a scene, let alone Beacon's academy. Making you a criminal in the eyes of The Atlas Military despite what the law enforcement or Ozpin has to say." Whatever respect or honor Jaune had earned after the fall of the FoF meant nothing to Ironwood. He needed answers, clues, even the smallest scrap of a hint to Dr. Merlot's location. His men back at his lab were having trouble dealing with the new modified Grimm, many injured from the suicide bombing Creeps taking them out. Turrets were already added on every side of his walls but they were still not enough, especially with the addition of a Beowolf Mutant that could tank his bullets. Dropping his arm, Ironwood extended a hand to the cold sweating blonde with an almost cold smile.

"Tell me what you know and I'll drop this little dirty matter as if nothing had happened. You'll be seen as a hero, not the fraud that you truly are; you're career as a huntsman will continue with a glorious start and not end in a shame. The choice is entirely up to you."

Jaune's face twitched as his teeth ground together in frustration, his face set in a glare toward the hand reaching out to him. Blackmailing him to give up Ann, that was just low. She had gone through enough and with her records of crime she would be locked away like that. The general wouldn't go easy on her like Captain Rola had agreed. What kind of friend would he be if he gave her up to save his own ass?

Life was a game, but Ann's life wasn't. Career be damned, he was more then willing to risk it.

Taking a deep breath, Jaune steeled his features as he shook his head, surprising the general and Winter as he scowled deeply, "Forget it. If it means risking her freedom after being lost down a path she forced herself into, then I'd rather lose my status as a huntsman to keep her safe! She's been through enough in her life and I won't be the reason she suffers anymore!" he spat, his fists clutching his bedsheets in response to his anger.

Ironwood held back a biting remark, cooling his temper as he shut his eyes. Was that why Jaune was refusing to tell him about the only person who could help him?, "I don't know what you think I'll do to 'her', but such an important contact wouldn't be in danger of imprisonment. Not if she's willing to cooperate with me and tell me what she knows. Prisoners are much more tight lipped then you would expect, so giving her any reason to not cooperate would not be in my best interest, especially if she holds the information I'm seeking." he said flatly with a deadpan expression.

"Really?" Jaune uttered slowly, not believing what he was hearing. Honestly, he was expecting the general to grill him into submission. Hard to believe he wouldn't lock up Ann with everything she knew.

Nodding, Ironwood smiled as he gestured his hand to the boy, "Yes. From what I've gathered, I believe the contact you're trying desperately to protect would be Anabel Wargray, Delmos right hand. In the aftermath of the FoF's collapse, only two of Holt's higher ups were unaccounted for, Ms. Wargray and his left hand enforcer, Naragami Endo. Captain Rola had no word on the girl's whereabouts, but I could see through his facade; he was protecting the girl for some reason and forcing the answer out of him would do me no real good. Please, if you can allow me to talk to her and ask her what she knows about Dr. Merlot, I promise you nothing will happen to her." he said sincerely, holding his hand to his chest in a vow, "True, she is a criminal and wanted for a series of crimes, but I'm more then willing to pardon such crimes in exchange for what she knows. Information can a be a very valuable thing, enough to even buy her a second chance if she's willing to listen."

A second chance? At a new life? Jaune bit down on his lip, fighting with believing what was too good to be true. This could be it, a way for Ann to walk freely onto the streets without worry of looking over her shoulders. She could be free, make a new start. But could he trust general Ironwood's words? He didn't know much about the man, only that he was highly respected for his leadership and strength.

What choice did he have? Wary eyes looked at the man skeptically, weighing his options. Didn't have much of a choice in his position, the general could lock him up if he wanted to.

"How can I trust you?" Jaune asked slowly, his eyes glaring into Ironwood's.

Ironwood rose a brow, chuckling at the suspicion. "You don't trust the general of a country, or a headmaster of a school? Rest assure, I have no need to lie to you. All I need is your trust, even if I had Ms. Wargray in my custody she wouldn't cooperate with me, your word would help me. You don't have much choice either way, I'm more then willing to do things peacefully, but believe me" he glared coldly, even by hologram his expression could still drop the temperature of the room where even Winter lightly shivered, "I won't hesitate to do it by the books and lock you both away without a glimmer of sunlight to your cells."

Jaune gulped, chuckling weakly as he nodded with a shaken smile, "I think I can take your word for it. As long you keep your word that she'll be safe. She's my friend, and I don't care if you're a general, a headmaster, or some great huntsman that I have no hope of scratching," he glared back, matching Ironwood's gaze as best he could, "I'll stop you from touching a hair on her head."

Winter tilted her head at the odd scene she was witnessing. To see a huntsman, a huntsman in training barely into their first year, not back down in general Ironwood's presence was something to behold.

After several moments, Ironwood eased his glare, his face breaking out with a soft smile of acknowledgment as he nodded. Color himself impressed, the boy was Alexander's son alright. The cold blue steel in his eyes was all too familiar.

"You have my word as a huntsman, general, and headmaster. I don't need your mother hunting me down after breaking her son's promise, the woman has one hell of a mean streak."he chuckled.

"Tell me about it. She'd run without stopping to teach me a lesson if she found about what happened to me during my fight with Holt." Jaune groaned. No telling how his sisters would react, nothing was scarier then all eight woman of his life working as one to scold him. Sighing, Jaune nodded his head stiffly, his shoulders sagging. All he could do is trust Ironwood, he seemed like a trustworthy man anyways especially if he was a friend of Ozpin. Surely Ann would understand, it was for her own good. She'd finally be free.

"Fine. I'll talk to Captain Rola later and tell him it's alright to see her. I still can't believe that he's willing to lie to a man like you because of me. He could lose his job and ruin his career with that." Hard to believe that the captain would do such a thing, seemed like a strict man.

"You have the respect of the police of Vale for what you did. They see you as one of their own now for your heroics. Something that is no easy task."

Ain't that the truth. Beating Holt and ending the Event had rewarded him the trust of the Vale City Police, something he was only now understanding fully. Still debating if it was worth the shattered arm, bullet wounds, and near headshot.

The tension in Ironwood's shoulder's eased, breathing a sigh of relief. Truthfully, he didn't want things to turn ugly between them. But he was more then willing if he had to. A low beep rung from his watch, the timer set to warn him that he was running out of time making him frown slightly. Sad to say their talk was going to have to come to an end. He was actually hoping to see how the Arc family had been doing. Especially with their loss years ago.

"My time is running out it seems. I thank you, Jaune, for understanding and cooperating. I know Alexander would have been proud." he smiled wistfully.

If the boy wanted to become a huntsman so bad, why didn't he just come to him? It would be the least he could do for all that his father had done. Questions for another time it seemed.

Jaune nodded, slightly confused. Weird how the general was using past tense about his father. Weirder that they knew about another, his father had never mentioned his connections with the Atlas headmaster. And he knew his mother?

"No, thank you. Even if I never get the chance to see her again, it makes me happy beyond belief that Ann can leave her past behind her now. She deserves another chance, I know she does." he grinned happily.

Ironwood shut his eyes, nodding as he chuckled. Certainly took after his mother's caring personality. What a combination.

"I'll be sure to let her know that you're the reason she can walk freely on her own path. Just don't disappoint me, Jaune. You have the makings of a great huntsman, lack of qualifications aside." With his business finished with, Ironwood turned his to Winter and nodded his head. The Schnee specialist nodded in understanding with a salute before working on ending the call.

Ironwood took one last look at the Arc boy before his hologram image flicked and faded. It was good to know that the Arc family name of warriors would continue on. Alexander would truly be proud of his son.

As the image of the general went away, Jaune fell back to his bed with a loud sigh of relief. Did he just get the general of an entire country to keep a promise? Had to be his high Charisma, about time it came in handy. Their was no other explanation for it.

"That was certainly impressive if I may say." Tapping the screen of her tablet, Winter spared Jaune an impressed glance. The general would normally make the subject of his questioning submit to his demands. To see him actually promise a boy he'd keep up with his word was surprising.

Almost forgot about the older snow haired beauty. Jaune blushed as her eyes fell onto him, his eyes drinking in the sight of the Atlas specialist. Now that he got a good look at her, it was hard to believe he didn't peg her as Weiss's sister. Wonder if Weiss would eventually grow up to resemble her? The thought made him blush even harder as the image of a bustier Weiss came to mind, turning her nose up at him in a haughty pout.

"Not really, I bet I would have caved in if he didn't go easy on me." Jaune said nervously as he looked away. Damn blush, why couldn't it go down already?

"The general is not known for 'easy'. None the less, I trust in his judgment all the same. So I won't say a thing on your fake qualifications." Winter smiled politely as she walked to his bedside. It was curious to see how red the boy's face had become. Must be a side effect of whatever medication they were giving him.

Seemed even a Schnee could be oblivious.

"T-Thanks." Jaune stuttered, looking down in an attempt to hide his blushing face. Why did she have to stand so close? He gulped nervously as he caught the hint of her heavenly perfume. Even if she was a huntress it didn't mean she had to smell of sweat and dirt.

Winter looked over the red faced blonde curiously. What an odd huntsman. In her line of work she had never come across such an individual. From what she had gathered he had the strength to take down a man as powerful and fearsome as Holt Delmos, a man who could hold his own against a trained huntsman, yet he didn't seem to carry himself to fit the image. A huntsman carried themselves with an air of confidence, bravery, and charisma; the blonde knight lacked it all. And Weiss was friends with such a person? Her little sister could sadly be judgmental.

At the thought, Winter's face developed a light frown. Normally the people who sought out her sister's friendship only saw the Schnee name. Having just met the boy, her suspicions weren't at ease. Well, while she was here, might as well see what the boy's intentions with her little sister were.

"Mr. Arc, if I may have a word with you?"

"Sure?" Jaune answered slowly, wondering what someone like her would want to ask him. The hell was with all the attention lately?

"You're 'friends' with my younger sister, Weiss, correct?" she asked, her icy blue eyes piercing into his own as she walked around his bed with her arms crossed behind her back.

Jaune nodded, "Yeah, even if she doesn't outright admit it sometimes. Despite her icy attitude she's a great person to hang out with." he smiled.

"Right." Winter nodded, "So, what is it about her that made you seek her out as a friend? Surely her personality wasn't what had drawn her to you. Especially with the Schnee name being so well known." her eyes narrowed, watching Jaune closely to see through any lies that may pass his lips. She wouldn't stand by and let some pretender come close to precious sister to use her.

"About that." Jaune blurted, raising a solitary finger in the air as he met her intimidating gaze with question and curiosity, "What does the Schnee name mean? Ain't that just another Dust company?" he couldn't help but ask.

It had been bugging him for a long time now. The reason Weiss acted so cold to him and ignored his advances was because she believed he was after her name. Schnee, as in the Schnee Dust Company of Atlas. Coming from a nice home away from the kingdoms, Jaune wasn't all too familiar with the biggest names in the huntsman world, it's why he had no idea what Aura and Semblances were, let alone Dust outside the use of household items. Why was the Schnee name so important? So they were rich, big whoop.

All suspicion, wariness, and intimidation was drained from Winter by that one question. Her brain ceased function as she stared at the wounded boy like a statue, not making a single move other then breathing. If she wasn't such a professional she would have pinched her arm to see if this was real.

"I'm sorry, what?" Breaking out of her stupor, Weiss pinched the bridge of her nose, raising her hand in a stopping motion as she gathered her thoughts, "Did you just ask what the Schnee name means? One of the world's largest distributor's of Dust on Remnant?"

"Sooooo, you're family is really rich?" Jaune quirked a brow, not really impressed.

Really rich? Try rich enough to buy a country, theoretically.

"I suppose that's one way of putting it. The Schnee Dust Company supplies the entire kingdom of Atlas with Dust and has trading rights outside the kingdom, supplying towns, cities, even villages in the other kingdoms as well. As well as supporting and financing advances in technology and weaponry. Saying we're really rich is an under statement." she said flatly.

"Then you're ultra rich? Is that a thing?" he asked himself with a frown. Sounded silly.

Was this a joke? Because if it was she was sicking one of her Beowolves on the punks playing games with her. There was no feasible way that the boy had never heard of the SDC and not understand its wealth and importance. Their brand was well known in every household for crying out loud! Was he a hick?

"Where did you grow up? I find it hard to believe that a huntsman in training hasn't heard of the Schnee name." she frowned deeply.

"Oh, well my family is settled in-"

Pain, sharp lancing pain. So razor sharp it had taken Jaune back as his head recoiled, his vision blurring for a second as his memories turned to static. Gasping in pain, Jaune clutched his head as he sat back. Winter was taken back but quickly moved closer to the blonde boy, her hands grazing over his face as she tried to find the cause of his pain.

'The hell is going on?' Jaune grimaced as he tried to focus. What was wrong with his memories? It was like he was watching tv with a horrible signal, everything was going to static.

Hurts, don't it? How does it feel to live a lie? Those memories. . .DoN'T BeLONg tO YoU!

Jaune hissed in pain, his vision growing worse as a red hue appeared in his pupil. The voice? Hadn't heard from it since his fight with Holt. What the hell was it babbling on about now?

'What do you want? Who are you?'

As quick as the pain arrived it vanished to nothing along with the dark voice. A light sheen of sweat stuck to Jaune's face as he panted. Creaking his eyes open, his blurred vision cleared away to leave Winter's concerned face hovering over his own.

"Are you alright, Mr. Arc? Where does it hurt?" Brushing back the hair over Jaune's forehead, Winter carefully moved his face around to scan for any signs of to his pain. Hard to do when his face was already bandaged and gauzed, everything was pretty much hurting for him. Whatever medication they had him on must have finally faded, leaving him to reel back from the damaged he had sustained.

Jaune's breathing grew heavier, gulping audibly in the face of such a beauty. Close, so close! His eyes wandered over to her lips, glossy and subtle.

Finding nothing out of sorts other then his wounded condition which hadn't really changed, Winter sighed in relief as she moved her hands back. She was going to have to call for the nurse to give the boy medicine to relieve his discomfort.

"Well you seem to be over the sudden spike of pain now. I'm guessing that healed wound over your forehead must be causing you problems?" Winter mumbled to herself, moving back his hair to look over the scar in slight wonder.

"Yeah, it must be messing with my memories. A gunshot to the head would do that." Jaune laughed tiredly as he rubbed said scar.

Gunshot? Winter looked at him incredulously. How does someone walkaway from a bullet to the forehead even with aura?

Ignoring that matter for the moment, Winter went back to her original line of questions. "Seeing as you're fine now, you have yet to answer my question. Why did you seek out Weiss as a friend? If you've known her this long then you know how. . .difficult she can be." she finished off with a cough. Love her sister she did, but with how they had been raised in Atlas they had trouble getting along with others beneath them.

"I guess you could say Snow Angel can be difficult sometimes. When I first met her she blew me off immediately. Can't blame her though, I'm not exactly much to look at." Back then he was just an annoyance that wouldn't leave her alone, now she actually talked to him, even if she still looked down on him from time to time. Things were different now. He was her friend, someone she could rely on. As difficult as she may be, Weiss was still Weiss, the Snow Angel he had given his life once to save. And he would do it all over again.

"Strangers are just friends you haven't met yet, it's something my mother had said to me years ago. I kinda live by it when I think about it. Weiss was just another stranger I wanted to befriend, that's all really." he shrugged.

Was not going to tell Weiss's big sister that he was also romantically interested in her too. As an older brother himself he would immediately put whoever was interested in his siblings under the grill. Did not want to go through that with his current condition.

"So, the Schnee name means nothing to you?" Winter asked with a quirked brow. Hard to believe such a thing.

"A name is just a name. It is kinda intimidating knowing that Weiss can literally buy and sell me, but it doesn't change anything. Weiss is Weiss, she's my friend." Jaune smiled honestly.

It was as simple as that? Winter's gaze didn't leave Jaune's as she tried to wrap her head around the boy in front of her. Was he just simple minded or something? Maybe he just didn't understand how big the Schnee name truly was. They were globally famous, hearing someone who never heard of them was surprising.

That, or maybe the world was bigger then she thought. Joining the Atlas Military had not only been a way to escape her father's controlling shadow, but an opportunity to explore the world, to get a broader scope of the people and their beliefs. And while she had gone to many new towns, villages, and continents as a Specialist, there was still so much she hadn't seen yet.

The thought actually made her happy. To know that there was still so much more to discover and explore. And to know that there existed people that could care less for titles or name. The Arc boy was proof of that.

Winter smiled, shutting her eyes as she nodded approvingly. Oddly enough, she felt a pang of jealously for her little sister. To find someone who didn't see her name this early was lucky. And if her letters were correct, she had a whole team who treated her like a normal girl. What she wouldn't have done to be in her shoes at that age.

"Seems Weiss made a good choice in befriending you. I can only ask you one thing though."

One thing, coming from Weiss's big sister? Jaune had an idea what that would be.

"You want me to watch out for her, don't you?"

The Arc boy just kept surprising her. Winter shook her head amusingly as she nodded, "Yes, how did you know?" she couldn't help but ask.

"As an older brother, I would ask the same thing." Jaune grinned, the memory of his sisters coming up at the thought, "I'm not exactly the oldest in the family, but I got little sisters too. Even now, I worry about them. But knowing that my older sisters are back home, watching out for them and protecting them, fills me with ease. Honestly, you should be asking Ruby and her team to watch out for Snow Angel, they'd do a better job then some bedridden dork."

"Perhaps, but they aren't in front of me to ask. For now, you'll have to do." she said said jokingly, earning a sheepish grin. A slight beeping from her scroll caught her attention as she opened it up. Looked as if the general still had some work for her to do in Vale. Well, if she left now she could still have enough time to take Weiss out on a surprise dinner.

"Seems I must be off, I still have things to do." she sighed as she shut her scroll. Getting a nod of understanding, Winter turned for the door, stopping for a moment to look back at the blonde boy. She smiled at him one last time before leaving.

"It was nice meeting you, Mr. Arc. Do watch out for Weiss, will you?"

With her last words, the door shut behind Winter, leaving Jaune to stare after the door. He fell back against his hospital with a huge sigh, his energy for the day spent. His heart was still racing from the older Schnee's visit. To think Weiss had an older sister. Had only one thing to say after meeting her.

"What a woman."

---

Fingers snapped in front of Jaune's eyes, breaking him out of his daze. He shook his head to clear his mind, finding his friends looking at him in slight concern.

"Sorry, what were you guys saying? Kinda got lost in my own thoughts there." he smiled apologetically.

"Why doesn't that surprise me? I'm surprised you know your left from your right, Jauney-boy."

"That's why I have it written on the bottom of each shoe, Cardin!" Jaune shouted back in annoyance, only to look up in surprise as he turned his head over his shoulders. Cardin's smug grin met him face to face along with the rest of his team standing behind their leader with sheepish grins.

"Cardin? What are you doing here?"

"Finding seats to eat our lunch. Our usual spot was filled up pretty fast, mostly because someone here had to waste ten damn minutes brushing their hair." Cardin glared back to the long dark blue haired member of his team, Sky Lark. Said huntsman flicked his long locks with a scoff.

"Sorry, but when you have hair like mine, you have to take care of it hourly." Sky smirked.

Cardin's brow twitched, doing his best to stop himself from smacking his friend upside. How he became a huntsman he would never know. Spent more time combing his hair then training his weapon.

Yang grinned back at Sky, pumping a fist, "I hear that! Some people just don't understand fine hair care and the work it takes."

"See, she gets it."

The mace wielder glared flatly at Yang, "Don't encourage the idiot. How Russel deals with him, I'll never know."

"A pair of earbuds and mirror for him to amuse himself with and I'm fine." Russel nodded sagely. It was like giving a bird something to keep its attention on.

Taking noticing of their lunch trays, Ruby smiled at them as she gestured for them to sit, "Well there's more than enough room in our table for you guys to sit down!"

"Are you sure about this, Ruby?" Weiss whispered lowly to her partner as the four huntsman nodded gratefully before dividing and sitting on each end of the two teams. While she herself had issues with the faunus, she wouldn't go as far as berating and bullying them for her own amusement like team CRDL.

"Course, they aren't so bad. Don't forget that Cardin helped save Blake." Ruby whispered back, "I know they were a bunch of meanies in the past, but they're good now. I haven't even seen Cardin pick on a faunus since the fall of the FoF. People can change you know."

Cardin nodded along from his seat next to Nora who sat on Ruby's right, "I would say I tolerate them after the days past events. Also, you guys fail at whispering discretely."

"I think he's on to us, Weiss."

"It's alright, we know we were jerk asses during the first semester. It's hard not to notice all the glares and whispered hushes behind our backs when we use to pick on the faunus." Russel sighed depressingly from his seat next to Ren as he poked at his green peas. The other students may not have said anything to them or stood up to them, but their gazes said more then words could express. Bullies, assholes, douchbags, racists, and so much more. Couldn't blame them, they weren't exactly wrong on their part. "We just followed after Cardin, believing all that he had told us about them. Plus he was very aggressive about pushing his beliefs onto us, you can't say no to a guy who could break the exoskeleton of a Deathstalker." he laughed nervously.

Yeah, Cardin grimaced shamefully as he thought back to his earlier treatment of his team. Couldn't deny what he was saying. Even he now understood he was a giant asshole.

"Then why follow after him? I'm sure if you came to Ozpin about it he would have reassigned you, or at least talked to him about his behavior." Pyrrha asked. Surely Beacon wouldn't allow such a team leader in charge of a team with behavior like that.

From his seat next to the red haired tournament champion, Dove shook his head with a frown, "You forget that Beacon isn't a normal school, it's a place designed to train warriors to fight. Even if your commanding officer doesn't have the best behavior or sound beliefs, you follow them regardless into combat. Cardin may have been a racist asshole with anger problems, but he still knew how to lead and fight soundly. Doesn't matter what he believes, as long as he can do his job, there's no problem."

"Somehow I feel as if you guys didn't have the best impression of me before." Cardin grumbled as he crossed his arms.

"But," Dove smiled reassuringly at his leader along with the rest of his team, "Despite how much of an ass Cardin behaved, he was still our friend. We would follow him no matter, you don't just abandon your friend like that when you can help them overcome their hate. Though, we weren't much help in regards to that." he turned his eyes over to Blake, nodding his head thankfully, "If you hadn't broken him from whatever haze he had been overcome with, I'm sure we would have lost our leader to the FoF. You saved him from that one bad day that could have pushed him to a line we wouldn't be able to follow."

"I didn't do much, trust me." Blake deadpanned as she recalled how she had 'saved' Cardin. All they had done was fight with the stronger huntsman abusing his odd semblance to overwhelm her at her weakest. How that made him see the errors of his ways she had no idea.

"Well, what's important is that we're all friends now!" Ruby grinned cheerfully.

"Is she always this bright and cheerful?" Cardin asked Jaune.

"I blame the cookies and milk."

Ruby pouted at the two, ready to tell them off for blaming her favorite treat for her abundance of energy. But before she could open her mouth, the loud sound of a guitar strumming broke her from action. Curious silver eyes looked over her table to find a small crowd of students gathered in the middle of the lunchroom where the sounds of an electric guitar could be found. Sounded like someone was playing rock music. Weird.

Following Ruby's line of sight, Cardin grumbled to himself.

"I was hoping team HRTH was still away on their mission. That damn Helio and his electric guitar, always making a big show of himself like he was top shit."

"Who's Helio?" Yang asked as she nodded along to the nice rhythm.

"Helio is a second year, like Velvet and her team. His team usually goes out on extermination missions and hardly goes to class. Hell, you should know him, you did beat his leader in combat class."

"Really? Huh, I never really paid much attention to her team, she usually leaves right after her match along with them. Sometimes I think she doesn't really care about winning or losing any of our fights." The small girl would much rather spend her time with that small Grimm Griffon plush in her hands then spar in the ring.

"When you're that strong, fighting becomes a bore, I guess." Dove shrugged, recalling his own fight against the girl in class. Took him out with one punch. For Yang to stand her ground against her and win was beyond him. "Helio is actually a great guitar player, he could give up on hunting and make a name for himself as an artist. Wonder why he chose to become a huntsman?" he wondered as he lifted a forkful of gravy soaked turkey to his hungry mouth.

"He's a showboat is what the bastard is." Cardin scoffed, "The guy always wants to be the center of attention. Probably became a huntsman to be an even bigger star or something."

"That, and Cardin hasn't won a single match against him. Helio likes to boast his winning matches, rubbing it in their face. Safe to say, Cardin has a bone to pick with him."

"Lousy guitar playing prick."

"Coming from the guy that was harassing faunus for the last few weeks? I don't think it's fair for you to judge." Blake deadpanned to Cardin with crossed arms. Said huntsman grumbled a curse at the secret faunus as he looked away.

"She's right, Cardin. Just because you can't luck out a win with a star like me, doesn't mean you have to say such bad things. Learn your place, Freshy."

Cardin brows knitted together in an annoyed glare aimed to the owner of the voice. Jaune blinked in confusion at the new voice, feeling its owner standing behind him. Turning his eyes back, he came face to face with a red haired teen smirking arrogantly at him specifically.

The teen's red hair was done up in a wild ponytail reaching to his back, a few frays of red hair spiked and falling over his forehead. He wore an open black spike studded jacket, blood red shirt made of thin chain mail links, ripped faded black jeans and scratched gray armorec boots. His amber eye's looked down at Jaune, almost sneering at the knight in disgust. It looked like he painted the visible black bags under his eyes. From the redhead's back, Jaune could make out what looked like the neck of his guitar.

"Sup? You must be the so called 'hero' people have been talking about while my team's been absent. Got to say, I don't see much." he grinned widely, his eye's leering.

"Who are you?" Jaune asked, almost gulping at the teen staring him down with a crowd of student's gathered behind him. Some of them were murmuring to another, watching on with interest as the red haired teen visibly flinched before growling in annoyance.

Cardin scoffed from his seat, looking away from the scene, "That's who I was talking about, his name's-"

"Hey! Butt out, will ya, Cardy?" the teen said with a strained smile, his eyes threatening before turning back to Jaune, "It's only fair that I introduce myself here to the kid. Name's Helio Lyre, The Star of Beacon and member of team HRTH. It's actually insulting that you don't know about such a star like myself. What, have you been living under a rock these past few weeks?" he tilted his head mockingly.

No, more like constantly running back and forth across Vale with information of a humanizing terrorist group bent on hunting the faunus. Jaune could hardly think back to a single day he had been on Beacon grounds outside of classes and sparring with Yang after his trips between Crime Haunt and the Vale City Police. Looked like he had been left out on a few things created by the Remix.

"Wait," Jaune suddenly frowned in realization, earning a smug grin from Helio. About time the kid realized who he was, "Team HRTH? You're Hera's teammate? How's she been? It's been a while since I talked to her." he smiled. Last time he saw her she gave him a mean pout after sending him flying with a monstrous fist. Reminded him of his sisters.

Helio's brow twitched as he stared at the blonde boy. Did he just blow him off for the squirt? His teeth ground together as he fumed. Unacceptable.

The students along with team RWBY, CRDL, and JNPR gasped as Helio picked Jaune up by the scruff of his uniform, glaring at the grimacing blonde knight dangling in his fist.

"Listen here, punk. It's not so polite to blow off a star, you might get burned. So, pay attention, you crippled little knight." Helio said almost seething, ignoring the glares pointed at him from the knight's little posse, "I don't like all the attention you've been grabbing for stopping a bunch of idiots with some hacksaws skipping around Vale. There's only one center of attention everyone should be revolving around, and that's yours truly. Any idiot with a stick could have done what you've done, so don't go thinking you're top shit, aight?" he smiled politely, his eyes shut as his grip tightened to point he was slightly choking Jaune.

"Let him go, you bully!" Ruby shouted, standing up from her seat to glare at the red haired rocker.

"Bully?" Helio blinked innocently, pointing his free hand at himself before smiling brightly, "I'm just giving him a little light warning. He's a huntsman after all, something like this shouldn't cause him discomfort." he grinned mockingly as Jaune grimaced.

All three teams stood up from their seats, their eyes narrowed and angry at the smug huntsman as the rest of the students couldn't help but look on to the drama unfolding before their eyes. You couldn't make up drama like this.

"Alright, that's enough."

Everyone watching on were taken by surprise as Helio's smug face went blank, sweating suddenly before he was blown off his feet across the lunchroom by a monstrous force. Whatever had sent him flying was no where to be seen. All eyes scanned around the lunchroom, trying to find the one who had shut up the rocker and created a strong gale whipping around them. What the hell hit him?

Falling back on his seat, Jaune rubbed his neck in discomfort before his eyes moved up. Blue eyes locked with his own, taken by surprise as he recognized the small girl in a Beacon uniform that looked to be tailored for a middle schooler.

"Hera?" he coughed, getting a nod from the small brunette. Eyes turned to the leader of HRTH, wondering how such a girl had got past them all without a notice. Must have been her height.

Hera wasn't so fond of the attention now falling onto her. Huffing, she raised her hand up, putting her thumb and middle finger together as her golden aura coated the digits.

"Stop gawking and leave us alone."

Snapping her fingers, Hera created a thunderclap bang that dispersed the crowding student body around her, sending them running with their hands clapped over their piercing eardrums. She sighed as she waited for the first years students that sat with Jaune to regain their hearing after her little trick.

"You okay, Jaune?" Hera asked in concern as she watched the blonde boy clean out his ears with a groan.

"I think my eardrums were blown out." Jaune whimpered. Was it normal to hear a whine in his ears?

Right, he was the closet to the bang. Well, that was what aura was for. His ears would be repaired in a second.

"You got to learn to control your strength, Hera. The poor kid doesn't need to be deaf along with crippled. It would make hunting Grimm a real chore."

Walking up behind the short leader, two more students Jaune had never seen before greeted him as he regained his hearing. On Hera's right stood a silent pale skinned girl with midnight hair done in a top knot ponytail. Stray bangs fell over her red eyes. And on her left stood a light tan smiling forest green haired boy with wavy short hair, his eyes shut tightly as he nodded to the first years. The forest haired boy chuckled apologetically as he rubbed the back of his head.

"Sorry about my partner, Helio. He can be a real. . .well, mamma always said if you don't have anything nice to say, keep your mouth shut and smile politely." he smiled gently, his smooth, soft voice matching his feminine appearance.

"He brings great shame to our team, we apologize." the midnight haired girl bowed, her voice harsh and cold.

"That's alright, wouldn't be the first time I was manhandled in a public space." Jaune laughed nervously. What was it about his face that made people pick on him? He was a good guy, honestly! "Aren't you going to check up on your teammate? It looked like he was hit pretty hard." looking back to where said redhead was blasted off, Jaune winced sympathetically at the sight of his body smashed cleanly against the wall. He could even make out a few students laying around dizzily from the powerful force that blew past them and knocked over their tables. Was that a plate of turkey and gravy over his face?

"Oh, he's fine! Wouldn't be the first time our leader had to teach him a lesson or two for behaving like an ass. I swear, that boy is incapable of learning a lesson." the boy sighed.

Hera rubbed her fists with a pout, grumbling about annoying redheads and thickskulls, "These are my teammates by the way, my partner Tsuki Yumi, and Helio's partner, Rue Edesia. We just came back from changing into our uniforms before we noticed the idiot was nowhere in sight. And knowing his showboating ass he would either be in the courtyard or lunchroom playing his weapon. Didn't think he'd cause any trouble so early."

"I did~! Mr. Center of Attention got word of the heroes of Vale, and you know how he hates it when all eyes aren't on him. Again, we apologize for his behavior. Hope he didn't aggravate any lasting wounds." Rue said in concern.

Having gotten her own hearing back, Pyrrha busied herself checking over Jaune, careful not to cause him any discomfort. What was it about her partner that drew in trouble? Swear he must have been cursed by some greater being for its entertainment.

"No, it looks like I'm fine." Jaune reassured them as he waved away Pyrrha's attention.

Tsuki titled her head, gazing at his bandaged arm with interest, "Even your arm? The fool did not harm it, did he?" her eye's narrowed chillingly.

He shook his head furiously, "I'm alright, really!"

"Good." Tsuki nodded sternly, lowering her face to stare Jaune dead in the eyes, sending goosebumps down his spine at the cold look in her eye, "We wouldn't want you getting hurt."

'Congratulations! You've Unlocked Tsuki Yumi's Affection! A new Ability has been Unlocked! Warp Strike, Unlocked!'

'No.' Jaune's jaw dropped in disbelief, speechless as the girl walked away and headed for her teammate. 'T-That's not it works! We only just met! This is Professor Antheia all over again!'

"You sure you're alright? You have that stupid look on your face again." Hera said flatly, waving her hand in front of Jaune' s eyes.

"Don't worry!" Nora grinned, "That's just what he always looks like."

"I can believe that."

"Just in case though, why don't you head to the nurse? Don't want you aggravating something after going through such an ordeal." Rue suggested, wincing as he watched Tsuki yank Helio out of the wall by his ponytail. Good thing he was unconscious, he was going to need to take a picture of his partner's stupid expression.

"That doesn't sound like a bad idea." Pyrrha nodded as she helped Jaune up, "Here, I can help you there."

"No, I can make it there myself. Besides, you still haven't finished eating. Aren't you the one that's always telling me that it's unhealthy to miss a meal?" Jaune smiled as he gently move Pyrrha's hand away from his shoulders. As much as he was trying to build their old relationship back up, there was actually something he needed to take care of himself. Having her with him wasn't necessary, this was something he needed to do by himself.

"Are you sure? You shouldn't be afraid to ask for help. We've been over this enough times for you to understand that." she pouted as she narrowed her eyes.

"I do need to use the restroom. Even one handed, I'm fine."

Blake looked at Jaune skeptically, "How? Shouldn't that be difficult on your own?"

"Are you suggesting that you could be of service, Blakey?" Yang teased, earning a glare from her parter's blushing face, "How saucy."

Rue nodded along, "My, how naughty. Are all first years so forward and daring?" he said with a mischievous grin.

Ignoring the teasing, Jaune reassured the rest as he began walking away. "I'll be alright. Just going to get a quick check up and I'll see you guy's back at the dorms."

With the blonde knight gone, Ruby sighed as things finally returned to normal. First day back in the lunchroom and they were close to causing a fight. At least Hera had arrived in time to calm her teammate down, forcefully. Turning her head to Nora, she frowned as she noticed a missing member of their table.

"Where did Cardin go?"

---

Now that he was gone from the lunchroom, Jaune sat himself on the edge of the fountain in the courtyard. His scroll was stretched out, the contact page of a siren pulsing lightly as he talked.

"How did she take it?"

Through the other end of the line, Officer Church sighed tiredly as he scratched the back if his head, "Well, at first, she was furious. Anabel never liked dealing with any type of authority, so having a military specialist from Atlas talk to her about spilling the beans on her workings alongside Delmos was bound to set her off."

Jaune winced, "How bad?"

"She grabbed the closest sharp object, which in this case was a spoon at the time, and threatened to carve out her jugular."

"But. . .who threatens someone with a spoon?" What harm could you do with a spoon for gods sakes?

"Jaune, when you've worked in this business as long as I have, you come to realize even a stuffed animal snuck in can become an instrument of death. Poor Richard, you never would think that a plush bear could fit in such a hole."

The blonde knight stared at his scroll incredulously. This was a line of conversation he didn't want to continue.

"Right, anyways, was she able to calm down?"

"I was able to ease her into a conversation after wrestling the spoon from her, earned a few bruises from that. Seeing as the General was busy in meetings the entire day, Winter was the one discussing the deal they would have with me standing by to make sure things didn't escalate into another charge on her record. At first, Ann was wary about talking, she was on edge the entire time, but once Winter mentioned that her records would be wiped clean, she began listening. But even with that, she was still apprehensive about it all. That is, until Winter mentioned your name and how you had made the general and headmaster of a country swear to keep his promise if she complied." Church chuckled. The look of surprise and disbelief on the blue haired girl's face was worthy of a photo. Which he had taken when she was stuck like that for a few seconds. Ashlee was going to be begging for a copy.

"After telling her how little old you was ready to throw away his career as a huntsman to keep you hidden from a government known for its advances in technology, she called you a dumbass before looking away from us in thought. We were worried she was going to tell us to stuff it up both our asses, but she gave a nod, promising to tell us what she knew about Holt's dealings with Dr. Merlot as long as they followed through with their promise to you."

Jaune breathed a sigh of relief, his shoulders easing as he sagged, "Good, I was worried she would be too stubborn to comply. How is she doing by the way?" he frowned in worry, remembering the last time he had seen the punk girl.

"Other then some bruises and soreness in her wrist and abdomen, Ann's doing well. She's settling just fine where I'm keeping her."

Another relief. Knowing that she was healing and that she hadn't suffered anything permanent finally settled his unease. Had to thank Captain Rola and Officer Church for risking their careers protecting Ann for him. Couldn't have done anything without them. Smiling, Jaune looked up at the blue sky, gazing at the faintest tints of orange from the sunset slowly rising up.

"Can I talk to her? There's. . .a lot that we have to talk about now that she's safe." The last thing she had seen was his pathetic form trying to apologize to her after killing her father figure. He needed to mend things before it was too late.

Silence met Jaune's end. Some rustling could be heard along with footsteps before he could make out the sound of hushed whispers. A sigh answered him back.

"She. . .doesn't want to talk right now. Ann said that there are some things she needed to take care of before she can speak to you, let alone see you again. Sorry, kid." Church apologized.

Jaune shook his head with a sad smile, "No, it's alright. I had a feeling she wouldn't want to speak to me right away. Just let her know, that after everything that's happen between us, she's still my friend and I'll never forget her."

". . . . .She's not in a talkative mood, but I know she must feel the same. I got to go Jaune, the old misses has dinner going. I'll talk to you later."

"Yeah, I'll talk to you later." Jaune nodded before the line was cut. He stared at his scroll sadly, sighing as he shut it. Was really hoping to talk with Ann again, but he should have known it wouldn't be that easy. The very thought of him must raise memories of that day. Staying away from him was best right now.

He wouldn't give up on her though. They had spent too much time together these last weeks for it all to be for nothing. Maybe he could find some way to amend things. Just needed to find someone who could mend metal. Was their a blacksmith on campus?

"So, this is where you ran off too? Had a feeling you weren't going to the nurse, pretty sure she's gotten tired of your face by now."

Turning his back, Jaune once again found Cardin making his way to him. The brunette huntsman smirked at him as he made his way around the large fountain.

"Cardin? What are you doing out here?" Did he follow after him? Why?

"Eh, wasn't really hungry." Cardin shrugged, stopping in front of the knight, "That and I was tired of being in the same room as Helio. This may be the pot calling the kettle black, but the guy's an ass. I'd be careful with him." he warned, narrowing his eyes at his memory of their fights in combat class, "He's not exactly a bully like I had been, but if you ever have the misfortune of drawing him as a sparring partner, he won't hold back and beat you into the dirt."

"Thanks for the fair warning. I'll be sure to stay clear of his radar." Jaune grumbled as he got up from his seat. Just what he needed in his life, another problem. Why couldn't things be smooth sailing after the Event?

"Just steer clear of things that make you out as a big shot or hero and you'll be fine. Which will be hard after we brought down Holt's organization, can't beat that." Thank god he wasn't charged and tried as a criminal when the dust had settled. All he had to do was tell them everything he knew about the FoF. Which was plenty seeing as he had been taken under Holt's wing. Blake and Velvet's little white lie about how he had saved them hadn't really gone past the police, so he had no choice but to cooperate.

Jaune scratched his head with a sheepish grin. Being a Player entitled that he would be involved in some big events to come. Couldn't escape the spotlight if he wanted to beat The Game. Who knew being a hero could become a burden?

"Just wanted to warn you. As strong as you are, I don't think you're ready to face a second year like Helio yet." Turning away, Cardin was ready to walk away, only to stop mid-step. He wrestled with his pride, grudgingly sighing as he made up his mind.

"And. . .thanks for not giving up on me. Most people would have cursed my name out if they found me in the FoF's base and attack me without question. Not you though, you cried out to me to not lose myself in my own darkness when I was more then ready to dive in. And in that darkness, all I could hear were your words and my mother's. You even saved me, Blake, and Velvet from my mistake." Glancing back at the shorter huntsman, Cardin couldn't help recall the heroic back that had assured him that everything would be alright. Hard to believe such a person he had once pegged as weak, simple, and scrawny was capable of so much more. He smiled, nodding back at Jaune before heading off back for his own team.

"I'm glad we're friends. But don't think I'll go easy on ya in class. Consider this a declaration as your rival, next time we fight it will be on a bigger stage in front of people from all four kingdoms. The Vytal Tournament is coming up, so don't slack off on your training. I want you to be at your best when I beat you."

'Cardin Winchester's Friendship has risen! A new Skill has been Unlocked! Argonaut, Unlocked!'

Jaune smiled softly as he watched Cardin leave. It was weird having him as friend when it had only been a month that he was being bullied by said huntsman because he was weak. Dying helped in starting things over, but having more experience had jolt started the friendship. The angry, racist, smug bully he had once been tormented was gone, replaced by a teen wanting to amend his mistakes and follow his own path.

With a crack of his back, Jaune turned his eyes to his real destination. Still had one last thing to do today. And it would make or break his career. What he was about to do was career suicide, but it needed to be done. All the lying had to end, he was coming clean with one last truth. Hopefully they would understand, and if not, then he would simply have to earn his place like the others.

Beacon tower, the tallest building on campus, greeted Jaune's blue eyes. Emerald lights shone from the mighty tower as the sun set, the cool breeze passing by him calming his thoughts as he gathered his strength. His feet were already on the move as they guided him to the tower, where the Headmaster of the academy sat in waiting for their meeting he had set up.

Surely they could overlook a heroes false transcripts, right?

---

"You know, it wouldn't have been a bad idea to talk to him. Despite everything, he still wishes to be your friend. Don't you think you could at least talk it out with him?"

Back in Vale, Officer Church sat in his old weathered grassy green sofa in his living room across a certain green eyed girl. Her face dimmed by the shadows of her hoodie over her head as she sat on a lazy reclining seat of the same color.

"He's better off without me in his life. All I've brought him is pain, a dirty street rat like me has no right to be friends with an idiot as trusting as him." she said softly as she looked back at Church. Her fingers reached for her hood, pausing as they touched the edge before pulling it back. Red locks of hair fell out, brushed back with a sigh.

"Blondie has a career to think about. He's got great things in his future, someone like him will make a name for himself and save so many lives. All I would do is taint that pearly white image with my filth as I am. I got no one to blame but myself for that."

Church shook his head with a scowl, "Don't say that. When I had stumbled onto you all those years ago, robbing a bakery of its sweets to feed yourself, I made the mistake of letting you go. I could have saved you from falling into such a bad crowd, put you into a loving family instead of the streets. And when I found you working with the FoF two years ago, I let you go again. If it's anyone's fault for the life you fell into, it's me." His finger's dug into his knee's in frustration.

Back then, he had felt so sorry for the little redhead girl, dirty, hungry, smelling of old rain water and garbage as she ran from the baker running his shop. Seeing as he had frequented the spot often, he had run off to catch the girl. But when he caught her, he didn't have the heart to bring her in. So, he let her go, even gave her the muffin he had bought along with the sweets in her muddy hands. That was the wrong thing to do though, letting her go off by herself into such a dark and dirty world.

Seeing her again now, haunted by her own mistakes after finally breaking away from such a life, all Church could feel was regret. It was his fault she had fallen. That was the past though. Looking at her, safe and sound, and in his own home to boot, he was going to right this wrong.

"Whatever plans you have for yourself, know that me and my family will be here for you. But, even though you're being cleared of your mistakes after talking with Winter, the captain wants you under watch. Basically house arrest. So, I hope you enjoy my place for the next few months. Consider it home." he grinned cheerfully.

Ann quirked a brow at the officer. Was he really trusting a thief to live in his home? With his family? Seemed Blondie wasn't the only trusting idiot around. Still though, it did sound nice having place to live in that wasn't behind bars. Well, she didn't have much of an option. She was under house arrest, might as well relax for once in her life without having to look over her back for a knife or a too friendly hand wanting some fun.

Speaking of which.

Without looking back, Ann's hand swiftly snapped behind her, catching the foam bullet aimed for her head. Her green eye's twitched, crushing the annoying toy in her hands before turning her head behind to the entrance of the living room. A small boy, around five to six years old glared back at her with a pout over the corner of the entrance way. He had dark hair and wore a red shirt and brown shorts along with glasses for his dark brown eyes. A small toy pistol could be seen in his small hands.

Church pinched the bridge of his nose at his son. Ever since he had brought Ann to his home, his little boy had grown jealous and had immediately begun trying to drive her out. His wife said he was at that age, whatever that meant.

"Benjamin Church, what have I told you about harassing our guest? A gun to the face is not a polite way of greeting someone." Church scolded. If it was, then every criminal he had locked up were upper class gentleman.

Little Ben's answer was a raspberry before rapidly firing off every foam bullet to the intruder of his home. Ann's hand was a blur to his young eyes, snatching every of his shots easily out of the air before they could hit her. His face grew red, stomping his feet before waving his toy gun at the redhead girl.

"You dead! I kill you so hard you die to death!" he shouted, sniffing back his tears before running away. Most likely to tell his mother about the bad girl not letting him kill her.

"Sorry about that, Ben's been watching too many action movies about cops and thugs. I blame Ashlee." Certainly it had nothing to do with his father being a cop.

"Don't worry, I'm sure I can get him back." Ann wasn't above pranks herself. She'd show that little brat a thing or two.

Going back to their conversation, Church gave Ann a reassuring look, "It's not too late to at least message Jaune. You have his number, it wouldn't hurt to text."

Ann shook her head, frowning sadly as she rubbed her bandaged wrist, "Like I said, someone like me has no right to be in his life. Not right now at least. I want to change first, I want to become a better person then the one he had met." her eyes were firm with her new resolve.

When she met Jaune again, she wouldn't be a girl with a criminal record, untrusting to the world but money. She would be a woman with a brighter future, someone he could trust and never doubt to have his back. Red dusted her cheeks at the thought, of meeting him again as a normal woman just walking by his side through the streets.

"Jaune, is someone special in my heart. I don't care what anyone else says, I won't see him again until I've changed who I am. When I see him, I want him to stumble at the sight of me, at the new girl he has never seen before. Then we can catch up and talk about all things that have happened in the time we missed together."

Something Church had never seen before met his eyes. He took his sunglasses off, rubbing his eyes before blinking at the sight in front of him.

A sunny bright grin lite up Ann's face, completely opposite of the young woman he had met. Like a ray of sunshine breaking a dark cloudy sky.

"Just like friends do after so long apart. And I'll bet my bottom lien on that tomorrow."

---

Elevator music filled the small space as Jaune waited patiently to arrive at the top of the tower. Nodding along with the pleasant melodies, he was suddenly taken by surprise as his scroll vibrated. A new notification, well at least he had something to look over before meeting Ozpin. Sliding it out of his pocket, Jaune was met with a message. After reading over the game text, a single warm tear slid down his cheeks, his face breaking out with a wide happy grin he couldn't contain.

'Congratulations! You've Unlocked Annabel Wargray's Friendship and Affection! A new Affinity has been Unlocked! A New Ability has been Unlocked! Fire Affinity, Unlocked! Firebolt, Unlocked!'

---

DLC #7: Premium Hearts and Dragons.

"So, is she part of you weird ass Semblance, or am I missing something here?"

Sweat poured down Jaune's face as he struggled through his pushups. Training his hand to hand with Yang entitled that he build up his muscles, and after going through some improvement, she upped his set of fifty to seventy. That was twenty more! Why couldn't she give him a break? The added weight on his back wasn't helping.

In the wide grassy courtyard of Beacon, Yang was busying herself watching Jaune go through his workouts. When she first began training him, she had to correct him on the proper way of sit ups and pushups. It was sad how poor a form he had begun with. Now though, he was on his way to a proper form, was even developing a nice lean body. She did raise a brow at their new guest accompanying the scrawny blonde.

A mature woman with long locks of raven hair reaching down her back with the tip resembling a dolphins tail, stunning red eyes, and a flawless complexion sat on his back as he performed his pushups. She wore a simple white tank top with red suspenders, a black miniskirt, boots, and armored greaves. Plus a chest that she was beginning to question was real. No way anyone could match her girls.

"Semblance?" the beautiful stranger asked, titling her head as she tapped her lips at the new word.

"It's a special power, kinda like your Limit Breaks I guess. And yeah, she's part of my semblance, kinda. Honestly, it's hard to explain." Jaune groaned as she answered both busty girl's questions. Only thirteen more to go! Couldn't lose count now.

Yang nodded her head at the answer. He did mention something about being able to summon things from distant worlds. As mind blowing as that was, she had no idea that also entitled living beings. Pretty cool, like summoning heroes in the video games she played. Almost like his semblance revolved around gaming. But even that was crazy.

"Soooo, are you going to introduce us, or are you going to keep a lady waiting?" she grinned, earning a grunt from the blonde knight in training.

"Yang, Tifa Lockhart, Tifa, Yang Xiao Long." he huffed, panting with sweat running down his face. Just a bit more!

Tifa waved at the busty blonde girl in the orange workout top and tight black shorts, "Hello, nice to meet a friend of my master." she smiled cheerfully.

"Master?" Yang said slowly, blinking at the word before a shit eating grin grew on her face.

Hearing himself being addressed as master, Jaune's face broke out into a blush, losing the strength in his arms at the same time. He fell onto his stomach with a curse, smacking his forehead into the grass as he mumbled into the grassy blades.

"Jaune, you dirty dog! I didn't know you were into that kind of thing. You think you know a guy and his fetishes." she leered, bending forward to grin at the cursing knight. Turning her purple eyes up, she turned her mischief onto his 'servant', "So, how is he? Does he know how to properly handle his sword, or does he fumble like I've guessed he would?"

Tifa gave Yang a flat look, "You have a rather dirty mind for a young girl." Reminded her of Yuffie. Which was not a good thing.

"Answer the question!"

"It's not what you think." Jaune sighed, muffled by the grass. Moving his head back up, he fought the blush on his face from the point of view Yang was presenting him. Damn her and her sexy ways! "As part of my summoning semblance, anyone I summon enters a contract with me. They tell me about their world and their story, and then pledge to follow me on my own adventures whenever I call on them. Unfortunately, each warrior I summon has a habit of calling me master for some reason." he grumbled.

"I always did wonder what it was like for a summon to be summoned." Tifa mused, gazing around her new surroundings with piqued interest. What a new world. It felt devoid of magic and their materia was called Dust. Not to mention the one to have summoned her looked like a tamer version of Cloud. Did that make her a great warrior? Guess defeating Sephiroth had spread across the worlds.

"You know, you can get off me whenever you want."

"Nah." Tifa grinned as she patted the tired blonde's head, "You actually make a great seat. Besides, shouldn't you be enjoying having such a beauty on your backside? I know an entire world of men that would kill for a chance like this."

"And you summoned her, why?" Yang couldn't help but ask. Training didn't seem like a good reason to summon a warrior from another world. Not that she thought about it, why wasn't she freaking out at the idea of their being other worlds? That was some mind blowing shit right there. Professor Oobleck would be having a discovery orgasm at the news.

"Well, I was planning on seeing what she could do before you found me and started making me run your drills. At least she's not as bad as Lightning when she first appeared." Jaune explained, sighing in a moment of content as Tifa ran her fingers through his hair. She was giggling as she somehow made his hair stick up in gravity defying points.

Yang nodded her head, smacking her fist into her palm in realization. Lightning, the woman in silver armor and gunblade that had stayed with team JNPR for a week? And here she thought she was a relative of Pyrrha come to visit. That explained the powerful aura around her and the out of this world air about her.

"Wait, how long do your summons last?" Yang frowned. Lightning had been around for a week before his team said she had returned back to her home in Mistral. And what a month it had been; Pyrrha and Lightning had constantly been at eachothers throats for Jaune's attention. Guess he was a ladykiller.

And he could summon powerful woman from other worlds. Forget ladykiller, he was a harem king in the making.

There came the root of his summoning problems. When he had first performed his summon, a summon bar appeared in his HUD, detailing how long his summon would last before leaving. And that's when he had soon found out, shortly after Pyrrha and Lightning had torn apart Beacon's grounds in a battle of sexy proportions, that he was gifted with a powerful skill.

Summon OverLimit. With this skill in place, his summoning time was literally broken. The amount of time they would stay by his side went beyond a few minutes, it lasted days! Lightning had basically become his second partner in that time, helping him to improve his swordplay and spells. Which had helped immensely. If only she wasn't so possessive. Couldn't count the number of times he found her snuggling his head into her breasts when they slept. Or the number of times Pyrrha found them like that and jumped onto the pink haired goddess like a hissing cat.

But Tifa seemed chill. Having her stay a few days shouldn't be a problem. When he had explained it to her she simply shrugged without a care. Said she was in need of a vacation.

"Well, Tifa will be staying for a week like Lightning. When I summon people, they stay longer then weapons or items for some reason." he answered, grunting lightly as Tifa got tired of sitting on his back and opted to lay on him instead. Her large firm breasts pressed against his shoulders as she continued playing with his hair, only making his cheeks burn hotter.

"Do you have gel? There's a style I want to try out that I think you'll like?" Tifa grinned mischievously.

As fun as talking about Jaune's amazing semblance was they still had training to finish. He wasn't wiggling his way out of their routine now.

"Alright, I think we've done enough girl talk for the day. It's time we move onto your next workout!" Yang grinned. Moving away from the two, Yang came back with a set of dumbbells, each twenty pound each. She dropped them in front of his face, proudly standing by to wait for him to start his sets.

Tifa looked at the iron weights with an unimpressed quirk of her brows, "That's it? Back where I come from, those are considered baby weights. I'm sure my master can do better."

"Please, you should have seen him when we first began training. He's got some natural strength, I'll give him that, but he's still a daisy compared to the rest of us."

Jumping off of Jaune's back onto her feet, Tifa gave the blonde brawler a quick look over. Her red eyes trailed up down the girl's figure with scrutiny as Jaune slowly got back up.

"See something you like?" Yang winked flirtatiously.

"I'm not impressed." Tifa said frankly with a deadpan.

Yang's fun loving attitude fell quicker than an anvil in the ocean. Her right eye twitched as her smiled strained to stay up, her knuckles cracking like thunder. It was enough to make Jaune wince.

"Say again?"

"Don't get me wrong, for a girl your age, you seem pretty strong and skilled. But my master would do better being trained by someone who's mastered hand to hand if he hopes to improve. Having him train with simply twenty pounds is not enough. Training him at thirty while running and dodging attacks is a much better regiment then curls." Tifa nodded to herself. Turning her head to her master, she shocked both blondes by taking a giant cleaver the size of her body out from no where before tossing it into his arms.

With a shout, Jaune fell back, gasping as he tried hefting the heavy blade off his chest. Holy crap! What kind of monster swung a blade this big? This was physically impossible! Where were the physics in wielding this thing?

"Let's start off with fifty chops of Cloud's Buster Blade, twenty side swings, and twenty forward stabs. By the time you've gotten the hang of it, I swear you'll be ready to slay even a one winged god."

"I can't breath! I'm being crushed under the weight of progress!"

"Listen, new girl. I'm Jaune's hand to hand instructor. He came to me for help, not you." Yang growled, her eyes switching to red as she walked up to Tifa to face her face to face. "And I think I know a thing or two about training your body to physical fitness. Have you seen my guns? Let alone my gauntlets?" she puffed out her chest with a smug smirk.

Tifa scoffed, "Honey, please. When you've beaten down weapons that can wipe out an entire country, insane scientist and their experiments, dragons, and a man that's known as the one winged angel with hair that would put your hair to shame, then you can talk to me about strength. Besides, I think we can both agree who's got the bigger gauntlets here." she smirked back, pressing her own impressive chest against Yang's.

The two brawlers growled at another, fighting to push another back with their chests all the while Jaune struggled to lift the heavy buster sword off his chest. With all his strength, the blonde knight heaved it off, tossing to the side as he breathed in a gulp of fresh air. He coughed, shaking his head before his eyes turned to the growling woman in front of him.

"Jaune! Tell this bimbo that she has no idea what she's talking about! Because if she wants a fight, oh, you best believe I'll give her one!" Yang leered, butting her forehead against Tifa's.

"Master, I will follow your every word as your servant, but if you don't tell this little girl to back off, I can't be held responsible for decking her to the other side of the planet!"

"Can't we all just get along? Besides, you're both great in my eyes." Jaune smiled nervously as he found two sets of red eyes glaring back at him.

Yang huffed as she dropped her head butting. Giving the ebony summon one last glare, she walked back to Jaune, clutching his arm to rest against her chest.

"Come one, Jaune. We can take a break for the moment. How about you and I go out for some burgers? You can consider it a date." Yang widely grinned as she snuggled closer to Jaune's side.

Jaune stuttered at Yang's clingy attitude. Dear god, he could feel her hot breath tickling his neck! The look in her leering eyes wasn't helping, it was bad enough her breasts were rubbing against him! His trouser demon was beginning to rage.

That little hussy! Tifa's fist shook as she found the blonde girl blowing a raspberry at her as she got comfortable with her master. She wasn't stupid, she knew what that girl was trying to do. Well, she'd be damned if the little girl won over her.

"Don't listen to her, master! You don't need her when you have me around. Come on, I've yet to show you what I'm capable of." Taking his right arm to herself, Tifa nuzzled her head against the crook of Jaune's neck. Her red eyes fluttered at his gaze, giving him an ample look of the pearl white valley of flesh rubbing against his arm.

"Forget that old cow! Why go for some older hag, when you have this young sexy thing!"

"Old hag?! Unlike you, I know how to please a man! And not fumble about like some child!"

"You bitch! I can out fuck you any day of the week! Just you watch!"

Ripping Jaune out from Tifa's grasp, Yang threw his dazed form over her shoulder before rocketing off the spot. She ran from the courtyard, blasting past anyone in her way with the added boost of Ember Celica keeping her out of the ebony brawler.

"Ha! See that, Vomit boy? An old bitty like her can't keep up with someone like me." she grinned victoriously as she patted her fellow blonde's ass, "Now, how about we get to some real training? I got a workout that you and I can both enjoy." she licked her lips as she headed for RWBY's dorm room. Next time that bitch saw her 'master', he would be mumbling, Yang, Yang, Yang, with a satisfied expression on his face. That ought to show her who was the better of the two.

Jaune held back the churning bile threatening to escape his mouth as the wind whipped his hair. How did a simple workout lead to this? Settling his queasiness, he turned to look at the passing students for help, only to gulp in fear.

Red eyes blazed after them, easily keeping up with Yang as she tossed anyone in her way to the side.

"Yang, hate to tell you this, but we haven't lost her." Jaune whimpered.

Turning her head to see what he was talking about, Yang growled as she caught eye of Tifa.

"Get lost! Haven't you heard that three's a crowd?!"

"You're right, so why don't you leave me with my master and buzz off!" Cocking her right fist, Tifa took the two by surprise as she shot a human sized fireball after them. Unable to dodge, Jaune and Yang were engulfed by the licking orange flames.

"Tifa! You know you're hitting me too, right!?" Jaune shouted back as they ran past the flames. Thanks to their auras, they weren't in any danger. The only thing damaged by the attack were Yang's tank top and shorts. Holes littered her workout clothing, leaving her running around Beacon in burnt rags.

Said woman flinched, smiling apologetically at the ticked off blonde knight, "Sorry, master! I'll be sure to make it up to you!"

Like hell she was giving Jaune up like that! Now in the dorm halls, Yang fired off a couple of shotgun shells after Tifa. The Midgard warrior easily dodged each shot, weaving through the streaking shells as they blew up the halls around her. Skidding to a stop, Yang caught eye of her dorm, smirking as she bolted for her door. She kicked the door wide open, nearly tearing it off its hinges before tossing Jaune into her room. Turning to Tifa as she dodged the last of her shells, she gave her a wink before tearing off her burned rags and slamming the door behind her.

Tifa snarled as she stopped in front of the door, slamming her fists against it as she could make out her master's voice.

"Yang? W-What are you doing? Why are you swinging your hips like that? Where are your clothes, and why are you licking your lips like that?" The sound of ripping clothing only made Tifa bang her fists harder against the door, cracking its frame as girlish scream of embarrassment could be heard. "Oh, come on! Can't we cuddle?! W-Wait, wait, wait! I haven't even showered, you shouldn't be licking tha-tha-that!"

Enough was enough! Equipping her strongest weapon, Premium Heart, Tifa blasted the door wide open. She huffed as she rubbed her fists with a grimace. The hell was that thing made of, Adamentium? Ignoring that, she glared at the blonde haired woman 'polishing' her master's sword before throwing off her clothes to the side of the room and slamming the door behind her. No way in hell was she being showed up by some rookie!

"Tifa! Thank god, you're here! Hurry before I lose the last of my will pow-NOT YOU TOO! Both of you, let go! One is enough, I don't think I can handle tw-Mmmphh!"

Loud banging, screaming, moaning, and slapping could be heard from the outside of team RWBY's battered door along with the sounds of furniture breaking. Across the door, team JNPR's door slowly opened. None other then Lie Ren stood at the door's entrance, his face blank as he wore nothing but his favorite pink towel wrapped around his waist and green face cream. Water dripped from his soaking raven hair which had been wrapped by a smaller pink towel as he stared at the banging door. He simply nodded, already having an idea to what was causing the noise before he reached for his scroll and dialed an all too familiar number.

"Hello, Ms. Goodwitch? It's happening again. Across the dorm, team RWBY's. . . .No, I will not get involved. Hmm? Can you speak up, I'm not wearing pants right now."

An hour or two later, the rest of team RWBY arrived to their dorms to find their door horribly battered. It looked like someone had taken a sledgehammer and gone wild with rage. Creaking open the door, Ruby gasped as she found their room trashed. The nightstand had been smashed, their poster were torn apart, books littered the floor along with their clothing, and all their beds had been crashed, lying in rubble. And in the middle of the mayhem, laid one Yang Xiao Long with a wide shit eating grin. She was naked, sweating with hickies along her neck to her lower body hidden my Weiss's blanket. And in her arms was Jaune, appearing as if he had run a marathon as he laid back against the crook of her left arm panting. As if that wasn't enough to shock them, in her right arm laid a naked raven haired woman with ruby red eyes, pouting with an annoyed look.

"What. . .are we looking at?" Blake's mouth was open in disbelief, inwardly crying at the sight of her many precious copies of Ninja's in Love on the floor in terrible wear.

Weiss was stuck in a mix between anger and mortification, her face growing red with embarrassment and fury as she glared at the smug blonde boxer laying back without a care in the world. The final straw to her psyche came from the sight of seeing the tent created by Jaune's 'sword' poking her sheets along with the dampness around the area. She fainted from the rage and embarrassment, falling back as she frothed from the mouth and twitched.

"N-No m-more, no m-more." Jaune gasped as his chest heaved. His hair was matted with sweat and other. . .fluids as he was on the verge of passing out, "This isn't how I pictured I'd go out in the world! I'm bone dry, dammit!" The scratch marks on his chest and back weren't even healing!

"Yet your soldier's at attention!" Yang grinned brightly.

"What kind of pill was that!? It won't stand down!"

"Yang, what did you do?" Ruby gulped anxiously as she found her eyes drawn to Jaune's sweat form. And his weapon hidden by the sheets.

Tifa grumbled to herself, refusing to make eye contact with the blonde girl. The hell kind of stamina was that? To think, she lost to some green horned girl still in school. Even worse was the soreness and limp she was going to be leaving with. At least she knew her master had a whole lot of potential.

With a satisfied sigh, Yang smiled cheerfully at her little sister as she kicked up her legs.

"Let's just say that no one beats a dragon in a battle of stamina."

---

Abilities, Skills, and Perks List:

Warp Strike[7AP]: Flinging their weapon, the Player warps to the location of their weapon to strike their opponent. MP Cost: 7MP.

---

Why? Is it just impossible for me to write a DLC that isn't perverted? I swear, it's just an excuse to let my inner pervert out. I need to write something that doesn't blue ball people.

Now that I'm done with Pokemon Moon, for the moment, I can get back to writing. Even sick, I will continue to push on and finish this volume! Just got to try and resist playing the new Final Fantasy for too long. Too many temptations, man. I will say this, playing Moon has helped in my future story. I've also been taking some time to write out future stories for the future, next year. If you haven't yet, I got some summaries on each on my Bio if you want to take a look.

A new team has been introduced! Team HRTH, Hearth. Let's how they play out.

The semester is drawing to its end. And there is still much to do. New rivals, old enemies, and one more Player to met. Forever is calling, will Jaune Fall?

Next chapter should be ready by Saturday. See ya then!

Read and Review. It's common courtesy.

NeoShadows fading in and out.