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?

18. Steps

It is I! The Great NeoShadows! Here with another chapter of Multiplayer.

Man, I had been hoping to finish this chapter last week, but I was completely drained of energy every time I came home from work. I was really sick, sneezing, coughing, and dealing with a hell of a headache. Add on to not being allowed to drink coffee while I was ill, I just wasn't able to muster the strength to finish this chapter. Luckily, I was feeling a lot better this week and was able to finish it Wednesday and touch it up today. Sadly, I wasn't able to finish the DLC; I can post it up next week though.

On that note, Christmas is drawing closer. Or, whatever any of ya might celebrate. Happy Holidays! Actually, I was wondering, do you think I should make a Holiday piece for Sunday? I've actually been thinking about an idea that I've playing with for a while. I just wanted to know seeing as I'm just about ready to start writing it out to see how it goes.

And, before I forget, I finished writing the descriptions of the available abilites for Jaune. I will be posting them at the end of every chapter they've been introduced. Gives you all a little incentive to go back and read the older chapters. I'll eventually come around to writing the updated Friendships, Affections, and Stats when I have the time. I'm currently working on editing the older chapters too; never noticed how many mistakes I left behind even after editing. I'll post the updated pieces once they've all been cleaned up.

Next up, Reviews!

Unchanined: Final Fantasy XV has already set me back a bit. But it's also given me some new ideas. Plus, Cindy keeps drawing me in. Damn.

The Immortal Doctor Reid: Will not confirm or deny. The Summons aren't really connected to Final Fantasy, only the two that I've showed. They're based on great warriors in Video Games. Plus, I've actually only ever played Final Fantasy XIII and XV. Never had the chance to play the earlier games as a kid.

The NakedFlame: Could happen, might happen. I won't say a thing. Glad you love Anabel though, makes me happy that my OC has been received well.

Solomon07: Well have to see if your guess is right. And don't worry, I'm glad you liked my DLC's. They're my favorite too.

JustJustin3099: Yeah, seems I've yet to master writing. Should have paid more attention in school, which makes no sense seeing as I've always gotten good grades in English. As for your question, when Jaune gains the Affection of an NPC, that NPC develops interest in him that grow into feelings of romance as their level of Affection rises. At Lvl1, it's simply a small crush that varies depending in the person. At its highest level, Affection can evolve into Endearment, feelings of love. Hope that answers your question.

Benthino: So, that's where I got the fear of spoons from? I always liked watching that show with my little brothers. And yes, you can thank Death Battle for that DLC.

Dandaman5: With Gods speed, I will continue on!

Pltrgst: Yes, the game mechanics are pretty light. I try to keep it that way so my readers don't have to sift through all those paragraphs of game mechanics.

L337 M4n: Can't deny nor confirm. Ah, FFXV, it's been giving me some neat ideas for skills and abilities for the future. Haven't even finished the game yet.

A Fan1204: Gotta love that character development. Trust me, you'll be seeing the end results of Jaune's fight with the FoF in later chapters. Shit like that doesn't just fade away. Explaining The Gamer as a Semblance in fanfic is difficult as all hell. It's one of the reasons why I didn't make it a semblance for all four Players, it's a power cursed onto them by some higher being. I was literaly scratching my head for almost half an hour trying to come up with some explanation that would work in this world. So, I decided on Summoning. Makes a bit of sense, all his abilities would matter on what he's summoned. For now, that's what I got. Still trying to work in sensibly. Grimm Eclipse, man, I loved that game. Once I began playing it, I had begun creating its own arc that won't be revealed till later, right after the Second Act. I always did wish that they had made Jaune met Winter in the show too, would have loved to see their interactions. Least we got fanfiction to remedy that. Maybe even this one? Your theory is good, sadly, I can't say much on it right now. Again, Character Development. I got some things planned out for Cardin, especially post Fall. Dude. I fucking love Danmachi! I fucking discovered it like two months ago while I was taking a break on writing this! I could only watch the anime, but I fell in love with it. Wish I could find a way to read the light novels. Watching that show makes me want to make a crossover or something. And for you, I will clarify what's Canon DLC and what's not. I will call the Canon DLC, Purchased DLC! I will impliment that little title with each one when I have the time. Till then, see ya!

GhostHornet: One of these days, I will make something with both RWBY and Fire Emblem. One day. Never played any other FF besides XIII and XV sadly.

SonicFanFlame: Dude, you have to get your copy! I need someone to battle other then my brothers. Interesting theory, can't say much of it now.

Trey of the Rebellion: I don't know? I mean, I've seen that show with my little brothers and sisters, but I don't know what you might be referring to.

Aight, it's time to get his chapter rolling. It's an interesting chapter to say the least.

(Page Break.)

Disclaimer: I do not own the rights to RWBY, they belong to RoosterTeeth. You know, I've been watching Fan Service on RoosterTeeth lately, and it's because of that, that I've learned of what Keijo is.

I. . .I have no words to describe what I've seen. As a man, I'm turned on? It's so sexy, but at the same time, it's ridiculous! They fight with their asses and breasts for crying out loud! It's hard to watch it when I'm fighting with dealing with my 'soldier' at attention and laughing out loud at the seriousness they portray. And for that, I love it.

It's like Jojo's Bizarre Adventure for perverts!

---

Chapter 18: Steps.

Glynda Goodwitch liked to believe she was a sharp intellectual. In the large continent of Sanus, she was regarded as one of the strongest huntresses, it was one of the reasons why she was selected as Headmaster Ozpin's Deputy Headmistress. One would have to be of clear mind and strong will to put up with such an enigmatic man as Ozpin. She was also a natural born huntress with extensive knowledge on combat along with an incredible semblance that allowed her to manipulate objects with her mind. Safe to say, she was no idiot.

So, why was it, that after having Jaune Arc attend their school for a good month now, that she had never realized that his transcripts were forged?

Sitting before the desk of Ozpin, Jaune sat anxiously as he waited for the gray haired headmaster to say anything about his recent confession. Instead of uttering a word, the man continued to sip from his precious mug of coffee, ignorant to the world as he savored his favorite beverage.

It was taking all of Glynda's willpower to not snap her riding crop in frustration. Instead she chose to stand beside the headmaster as they waited for what he had to say about the matter.

'How? I've looked over every applicant that has ever passed through Beacon's doors, how is it possible that I never realized his papers were forged?' Everything on his transcripts weren't exactly making sense now that she looked back on them. The school he had graduated from didn't exist after a quick search on her scroll, his grades were too perfect, and his abilities in combat were sub-par at best when he had first came into her class. That wasn't to say he was weak. Jaune showed great potential and had made major leaps in his skills and abilities in class. If anything, he had every right to be in Beacon.

So, why lie? Graduating a combat school wasn't the only way to be accepted into a school like Beacon, they had an entrance exam created for those who weren't lucky enough to attend a school yet still were capable of fighting. Like Ms. Belladona, she had never attended a combat school but had aced their exam to be accepted into their school. There was no reason someone like him wouldn't have been able to do the same.

After what felt like an eternity, Ozpin finally set down his steaming mug, his eyes aloof as they gazed back at the blonde boy sitting across his desk. He cleared his throat, fixing his glasses before speaking.

"I already knew."

Jaune's jaw dropped open, his face twisted in disbelief. He what?!

"You what?!"

Ozpin winched slightly at Glynda's sudden outburst, rubbing his ear to ease the ringing. Should have seen that coming.

"Honestly, Mr. Arc, you would have to be blind to not realize your papers were forged, albeit well done." he smirked, subtly jabbing at Glynda. The annoyed scowl meeting him back didn't appreciate his sense of humor. Spoil sport.

That didn't make any sense. Jaune shook away his disbelief, frowning in confusion, "Then, if you knew that my transcripts were faked, that I lied my way into Beacon, why let me in? Isn't what I did a crime?"

"Yes, as white collar a crime it may be, falsifying documents is a criminal offense." Glynda explained, her brow twitching madly as she sent a glare to the calm headmaster, "And if we feel like it, we may purse some form of punishment."

"We can also be sued for allowing a boy with no combat experience into our school by said parents if they felt like it." Ozpin added helpfully, taking a sip of his mug as Glynda sputtered. She dragged her hand over her face with a depressed sigh.

"You're right, this could end badly on our end. Especially if a certain someone truly did know about said fake papers." she growled. Dear god, she could feel her temple throbbing from all the stress it could all spell.

"You're still not answering my question." Jaune asked, intent on finding out why the headmaster would allow him into his school when he had no right to step foot on campus. Even before he had gained the experience he had now from his first life, the enigmatic headmaster must have known about him then. Why send someone with no combat experience out into the field, it was practically sending them off to their death.

"Oh? Have I not told you before?" Ozpin paused his sipping for a moment to look back at Jaune in nonchalant surprise. Both Jaune and Glynda couldn't decide if he was playing around with them or if he was truly taken back. "The reason I let you attend my school is due to all the wasted potential I saw in your eyes. It would have been truly a waste to pass you by when you had such a spark in your eyes." he answered simply.

"Now I'm really confused here." Jaune sighed in frustration as he crossed his arms, or his one good arm, "You got all that from my transcripts? Because I'm pretty sure I've only met you once before and that was during your speech before initiation." And when he had picked his spirits up a long while back.

The joking manner in Ozpin's eyes quickly died away as he frowned deeply. Even going as far as pushing away his mug to the side. A tint of worry colored his eyes as his brow knitted together, making Jaune gulp nervously. Did he say something wrong?

"Mr. Arc, are you sure you haven't suffered any damage to your memory? I do recall the doctors speaking of a nasty wound to your temple. Perhaps they overlooked it seeing as it healed into that scar."

"Why do you say that? I'm pretty sure that everything's fine up there." Jaune grazed the bullet scar on his forehead gently. At least he was sure he was fine. There was that incident with Winter when he couldn't even recall the name of his own home town. Or was it a village? Just thinking about it gave him a migraine.

Ozpin looked skeptic. Perhaps it wasn't such a good idea to lend the Vale City Police Jaune's services. He already felt bad enough for the horrendous condition they had brought him back in. If the boy suffered any sort of memory loss then his mother would kill him when she found out.

"Jaune, you and I have met, long ago as it may have been." Seeing the look of shock on the blonde knight's face only cemented his doubts. The look in his eyes was too sincere. "I believe it was nine years ago when I had gathered a group of veteran huntsman to help in taking back a town under-siege of both Grimm and bandits that I had enlisted the help of your father, Alexander Arc. He and his wife had invited me into their humble home when I had asked for his help and introduced me to their five children at the time. That's when I had met you, huddled behind your mother's leg with a foam sword in your little hands." he chuckled at the memory. To think the little boy too scared to even greet a guest in his home would grow up into such warrior capable of holding his own. It was like stepping into the abrupt future.

"In those young eyes, I saw a reservoir of potential waiting to be tapped. Course in those days you simply wanted to play hero when others your age had already begun training their bodies for combat to enter a combat school. But I had made a promise to your father as well," Ozpin's face grew a bittersweet smile, thinking back to that fateful day long ago.

"That if you were to ever pursue your dream of becoming a warrior, to help you out in anyway I could."

"Really? I could have entered your academy without faking my way in?" Jaune said in disbelief. Why didn't his father tell him that bit of information before he left? It would have really helped him out before he had seen him off on his bullhead to Beacon.

Ozpin shrugged his shoulders with a sideways nod, "I wouldn't put it that way, but I would have allowed you to take the entrance exam as many times as you needed. I would have even found someone suitable to train you to take them. All of which would have been pointless, you've done a fine job as a student and a leader in my school, all without any training like the rest. Seems you're a natural born huntsman after all." he smiled proudly.

That. . .would have all been extremely useful information when he had decided to enter Beacon. Why was this now being explained to him? Jaune wasn't sure what to make of this new information. At least he wasn't in trouble. Still, it didn't change the fact he had cheated his way into Beacon. For all he knew, he had robbed some person of their rightful spot in school, someone who had actually worked hard and studied nights to enter one of the worlds top ranked schools.

It was time he earned his spot here, just like everyone else.

"Still, I cheated my way in. Everyone else worked hard to get where they are while I simply paid someone to forge some documents to let me in. And that doesn't feel right. I want to earn my place here, just like everyone else."

"You wish to earn your place? And how do you suppose you'll do that?" Ozpin asked as he lifted his mug to his lips calmly.

Jaune breathed deeply, his eyes firm as he answered, "I want to take the entrance exam. I want to be officially accepted as a student of Beacon Academy!"

"Oh? And what right do you have to make such a request? Do you truly believe that passing the exam will matter any little at this point?"

"No, but I have to prove to myself that I deserve to be here after so long. I've been through so much in so little time." All in all, if he put together his first semester in Beacon in his first life and his current one, it had been almost half a year since he had entered Beacon. And so much had happened in his life since that fateful day. His aura had been unlocked, he had been made leader of his own team, been trained to fight against Grimm, made friends, died, and soon after be brought to life with abilities that went against the laws of physics and reality. Now he was skilled enough to fight against opponents that would have taken him out in one hit in the past, the boy who had cowered before even a Beowolf was no more. In his place was an honest to god huntsman in training, capable of actually leading a team.

Honestly, he could have continued on with his time in Beacon without bringing up his fake transcripts, but after all the things his friends had said to him about his abilities and skills, he had to agree. With how strong he had become, he had no need to lie. And he was done lying to his friends, if he was going to come clean to the rest of them about his transcripts, then he might as well earn his place alongside of them.

Glynda admired Jaune's courage, she couldn't hide the small smile on her face in face of his bold blue eyes. It truly took courage to admit what he had done. If they wanted to, they could expel him on the spot for lying his way in. And he knew that. Knowing that, he wanted to prove to them that he had what it takes to stay as a student despite his lack of training, which she found hard to believe. Jaune was a strong huntsman in training, he was even capable enough to end Holt Delmo's plans in a one on one fight. That took skill beyond his current school training. Seemed he was a natural, as if he had already done this before.

"Mr. Arc, while we do admire your honesty, I'm sad to say that testing you in the entrance exam would be for naught." Glynda sighed as she readjusted her glasses, "At your level of skill, you would pass without a doubt. It would be more trouble to set it up honestly."

"Right." Jaune winced. He could understand that.

"Unless we make up an exam to test you at your current level." Setting his mug down, Ozpin rested his chin on his crossing fingers, his brown eyes staring deep into Jaune's own blue with interest, "It's true that at your skill level you would pass the entrance exam easily, but if you truly wish to prove your worth here, then I can make an exception. But, it must be on one condition."

Condition? Glynda frowned, already seeing what he was going at, "Headmaster, you don't mean?"

Ozpin nodded sternly. Reaching to the underside of his desk, he rummaged through its contents for a moment before dropping a series of tan folders onto the desk in front of them. Moving through them, he found what he was looking for as he moved one of them up for them to see. The name Jaune Arc could be seen written on its label.

"What you see before you is your falsified transcripts. Anyone with a skeptic eye can see past them as what they truly are. If someone such as General Ironwood had looked them over he would have tossed them away in disgust. Now that you've confessed to your lie, these papers will no longer get you by. Glynda?" he gestured to the blonde haired witch.

Knowing what he was up to, Glynda nodded. From the sleeves of her dress shirt, she slipped out a small red Dust crystal before snapping the energy stone in half. The pieces caught on fire, flaring wildly as she tossed them in the air. She then waved her riding crop at the flames, commanding them to follow her will with her telekinesis and streak after the papers in Ozpin's hands. The transcripts quickly caught on fire, slowly devoured into flames as flickering embers fell harmlessly onto the desk before Jaune's surprised eyes.

"Jaune Arc, as of now, you're on my school grounds by my good will. That will not last long though, that I assure you. If you truly want to become a student, then you will undertake my exam, one created to test your abilities and resolve as a huntsman. Fail, and you will be expelled from my school. So, what will it be? Will you accept?" Ozpin smirked ominously, the still burning embers falling off his hand illuminating his face with the shadows of flames against his glasses.

'The Clockwork Exam.

Headmaster Ozpin has found out your 'secret'! But, by his good grace, he's giving you a chance to prove your worth! A final exam by semester's end, a test of your intelligence, durability, speed, skill, cunning, and combat ability! Pass, and you'll be approved as a legitimate student of Beacon! Fail, and be expelled as a fraud! The choice is yours. Well, not really. It's mandatory.

Reward: Beacon Transcripts. Glynda Goodwitch Friendship. Seal of Approval.

Failure Penalty: Expulsion from Beacon/Vale. Loss of all Beacon Student's Friendships. Unable to participate in Events in Vale or Beacon until the Third Act.

Accept? Yes/No?'

The world around Jaune froze still as the new mission lit up his scroll. Reading them over, Jaune grew uneasy at the heavy penalties if he failed his exam. The Game was really laying onto him thick here. No matter, he shook his head as he moved his finger over to accept. Having too much to lose only made it all the more important that he passed. He wasn't running away now.

"I accept your conditions." Jaune grinned in determination, the world released from its stasis as he accepted the mission.

Ozpin smiled, nodding his head as he tossed the burning papers into the trashcan beside his desk. "I'm happy to hear that, Jaune. As of now, you will continue to go about your classes and participate as a student. But by the end of the first semester, you will be undergoing an exam I've created to test you on what you've learned so far. The outcome of which will decided your future here in Beacon Academy."

"You're secret will remain a secret between us, not even the other faculty members will know of your status. Until next month, right before the end of the semester, you will remain a student." Glynda said reassuringly, "I do hope you've completely healed by then. We still have our trip to Forever Fall this Friday."

"Right, I'll be more then fit to pass my exams by then." Jaune said confidently as he got up from his seat. All he needed to do now was wait for his arm to be fixed. Which would take another week. He had a plan though, one that would heal it back to a hundred percent in no time. All he had to do was wait for his trip to Forever Fall.

"For your sake, I hope you do. As I said, you have more wasted potential then I have ever seen. It be a waste to leave it untapped." With the matter out of the way, Ozpin waved Jaune away, "Now, if that is all that you had to meet with me for, why don't you run along? It is getting late, you still have school in the morning to attend. And I have a mountain of paperwork to sign." he grumbled to himself.

Glynda scoffed. Yeah, he had a mountain to sign. They both knew she was the one that was going to be reading them over before he even picked up his pen. If it wasn't for her, she was sure that he would have signed off on some gold platted platypus statue for the lobby.

Jaune nodded his head in thanks as he turned for the door. Bed was calling. Running for the elevator, he waved good-bye to the two teachers before the door shut, dropping him to the lower levels below.

A deep frown appeared on Ozpin's face once again as he shook his head. Seems Jaune wasn't as alright as he had hoped. His memory must have been damaged. He didn't even react at all when he had mentioned his poor father.

"Glynda, do you suppose I can receive a copy of Jaune's hospital papers? I wish to know if he has suffered any damage to his head."

"Of course, headmaster. But, if I may, why? Mr. Arc appears to be well. Is there something wrong?" she asked in worry as she watched the gray haired headmaster leave his chair to stair out the window.

"Jaune may look well, but it seems he has forgotten our meeting long ago. Normally, that wouldn't raise much of an alarm, but it had happened just before a horrible event in his life. I'm sure he would have remembered me considering I had been part of the reason for his father's current condition." Ozpin gazed out onto his school tiredly, his eyes heavy as he was reminded of a mistake he had made long ago.

"I owe his father a great debt. I will not be responsible for ruining his son in any way."

---

Out in the night of Beacon, Blake hummed to herself as she made her way back to her dorm after visiting the library. After a good book and some warm milk, she was ready to turn in for the night. Her ribs had finally healed, so she didn't have to worry about any discomfort come morning. Good-bye bandages.

Turning a corner, the cat faunus was taken by surprise as she caught eye of Jaune walking past the courtyard. Looked like he was heading for his dorm room. She was wondering where he had gone, seemed he hadn't gone to the nurse after all.

"Jaune? Wait up!"

Hearing his name called out, Jaune turned to the owner of the voice, surprised to find Blake running up to him. What was she doing out at night? He would have thought she would have headed back for her dorm to relax with her team. Either way, he shrugged as he greeted the stoic bookworm.

"Hey, Blake." he smiled as she stopped by his side, "What are you doing out here this late? Shouldn't you be curled up in your bed with a good book?" he grinned jokingly.

Blake blushed stoically as she walked along with him to the dorms, "I was reading in peace in the library after we had finished lunch. As much as I've come to love my team, they aren't the best of people to read around with the exception of Weiss. Sometimes you just need some space from your own team, you must know how that feels." she quirked her brow, receiving a light groan from the blonde knight.

Boy, did he know the feeling. Nora's shenanigans could be too much to deal with, Pyrrha was overbearing at times, and Ren was simply lazy along with hating him.

"What about you? You left the cafeteria to head for the nurses office, but never came back. It's been hours, don't tell me a simple check up took you that long?"

"Don't be mad, but I didn't really head for the nurses office." Jaune sighed, scratching his head sheepishly as he found Blake's yellow eyes glaring at him, "I guess you could say that I needed some Jaune time. Ever since I came back from the hospital, Pyrrha's been at my side at every opportunity she can find. Not to mention you've been rather close too." he pointed out with skepticism.

It wasn't like Blake to be so close to him. Back in his first life they had barely spoken to another. If it wasn't for their teams hanging out with another constantly, he was pretty sure they would have remained strangers. Couldn't really complain though, he wanted them to be closer, to be real friends. It was just little weird to see this side of the silent ninja like girl.

Blake huffed, looking away from the blonde with a small pout, "I just want to make sure that you're alright. It's my fault you were so beaten, you were practically a mangled corpse. If I had only been stronger, then you wouldn't have had to send me, Velvet, and Cardin away to fight against the leader of the FoF." A sad shine lite up her eyes, recalling the horrid sight of Jaune's bloody, broken body.

It was a miracle to even be walking alongside him like this. How he survived nearly dying twice, she'll never know. Some god up above must have been looking out for him, she couldn't see any other way he could have survived otherwise. Then again, they did say the more stubborn you were, the harder you were to kill.

"Not this again. Blake, none of what happened back there was your fault. I probably would have wound up fighting Holt anyway, it was only a matter of time. Besides, I'm perfectly fine now." he smiled brightly to ease her worries and doubts. Which had little effect as she gave him a flat stare, her eyes hinting towards his broken arm.

"Define fine."

"What? This old thing? I'll be fine in week, don't worry. It's just a little broken bone."

"The doctors said it had been shattered like it had been made of glass. You clearly don't think much of yourself if you blow off having your arm turned into a jigsaw puzzle."

"You worry too much, Blake. You're starting to sound like Pyrrha. Am I going to have to warn Yang that her partner might leave her for me?" Jaune teased with a grin. A smack to his good arm was enough to tell him she wasn't fond of the joke.

"Well, someone has to watch out for you if she's not around." Blake smiled before frowning. She turned her head around, looking for any students still walking about at night. Good, looked like everyone had gone back to their dorms. Now she could asked him something that had been bothering her for some time now.

Taking his arm into her hand, Blake caught him off guard as she pulled him along with her to a more secluded spot. Jaune was confused, but the look he fond in her eyes told him it would be better to follow along. He followed after her, passing the courtyard and back into the school. Eventually he found himself being lead past the dorms up a familiar flight of stairs. The door to the roof of the dorms greeted the two before Blake opened it and lead him to the roof he had once trained with Pyrrha in. Nostalgia hit him as they walked to the edge, staring off to the tower of Beacon academy glowing with its beautiful emerald lights. Man, did this take him back to the old days not so long ago.

With no one in sight, Blake shuffled nervously as she sat on the edge, patting the spot next to her for Jaune to take. He smiled, taking a seat by her as he waited for what she had to say.

Actually, on second thought, he needed to do something real quick.

"Blake, you mind holding that thought for a moment?" Jaune smiled before leaning his head over the ledge. The cat faunus was puzzled, even more so when he cupped his hands towards his mouth and began shouting.

"Hey, Cardin! You mind shutting your window and playing something loud for a bit!?"

"Wait, Cardin's dorm is below us?"

Said huntsman poked his head out of his window, scowling as he found Jaune and Blake above his head.

"The hell are you doing, Jauney-boy? You can't tell me what do! What is this, a booty call?"

"It's called a private conversation! Come on, be a bro!"

"Fuck you! I do what I want! How about you two get a room like a normal couple!?"

"What ever happened to being friends? We just need some privacy, is that too much to ask? And we aren't a couple!"

"Then take your booty call somewhere else! I don't want to hear what you two are doing up there!"

"I do!"

"Shut up, Russel!"

Blake hid her face in mortification as the two continued to loudly argue with another. Should have found a better spot for their conversation.

Having had enough of their argument, Cardin grudgingly nodded his head before slamming his window shut. Whatever, he didn't care what they were up too. As long as he didn't hear any of that crap, they could have the roof. Now to find some loud music to drown anything passing by the windows glass.

Jaune chuckled sheepishly as Blake went back to glaring at him with a blush adorning her face. Probably should have worded all that better.

"Sorry, but I knew that Cardin's dorm was below us. Don't need him blackmailing us or something if he caught word of what you we were talking about." Did not want to go through that again. As much as Cardin had changed recently, Jaune wasn't taking a chance on the guy hearing anything too private. You never know.

Blake nodded. With what she was going to ask him, it was better that no one else heard them. Just wished that Cardin didn't think that they were messing around. Sounded like a scene from one of her books.

"So, what's up? Seems like there's something you want to really ask me." Jaune asked as he settled back down.

"There is." Facing Jaune, Blake swallowed her nervousness as she steeled her features, "Back then, when the leader of the FoF had revealed my faunus heritage, you had already known about me. Not only that, but you also knew about my past connections with the White Fang. What I want to ask is how? How did you know about my past, when I've never met you till I entered Beacon?"

Jaune flinched, cringing as he scratched his neck and went silent. That's right, almost forgot about that slip of the tongue back when Holt had revealed Blake's identity. Well, explaining to her that Ruby had told him her secret during an earlier life before he died to one of the White Fang wouldn't turn out well for him. That would result in a Bad End, making him out as crazy, or even worse, struck down to death by lightning by some unknown being. He was going to have to wing it then.

Great, he had just come clean about one lie, now he was making a new one. Seemed he was just too good in making things up. Once a liar, always a liar.

Face scrunching up grudgingly, Jaune began to make something up on the spot with what he had, "It's. . .complicated, Blake. It all started when I was. . .younger." Which was true, in a sense. He felt years older since he had stepped into this game. The weight on his heart had grown, making him reminisce the simpler times when he was a no talent huntsman learning how to fight with his friends. "When I was more naive. I was just a kid, ten years old, I think? I wanted to become a hero but couldn't. No one would train me because I was a scrawny little kid. And I was willing to do anything for the opportunity to become stronger. That's when I met the person who would train me to become as strong as I am today."

But who was he going to use as that person? He couldn't go with Pyrrha, that would mean he had known her for years when he had just met her in the locker rooms a month ago. Same goes for everyone else, he had just met them too. It had to be someone who would tell him about Blake's identity, someone who knew her and her time in the White Fang.

A smug, cruel smile popped up in Jaune's head followed by a white mask and spiky red hair glowing ominously. Just thinking about him made his knuckles crack in anger. Well, didn't have many choices, he would have to do for now. Plus, he was part of The Game. If it ever came up around him, god forbid, he would have to play along or deal with being struck down. In a way, it was his fault.

"His name was Adam, and he taught me a few things, enough for me to get my bearings in a fight. Have you heard of him?" Jaune asked curiously, watching as Blake's face had frozen still. Looked like it. She did work in the White Fang, and he was leader from what he understood.

Had she heard of him? Adam had been her partner! He had been the one to teach her the way of the sword, to teach her how to fight, the one to show her the world beyond Menagerie and its cruel reality. He had been the sole reason she had left behind her family to join the White Fang branch in Sanus. And he was the reason she had left their organization behind. How was it that Jaune of all people knew about him?

"Yes, I know of him." Blake replied softly as she hugged her knees to her chest. She looked onto the view of Beacon sadly as his face popped up in her head, "He was my mentor long ago, and a personal friend. He taught me almost everything I know, but much of it was wrong. But, if he taught you, why is it he never told me? Not to mention the fact you're human, Adam would never train a human. No offense."

"Well, normally you'd be right. But me and Adam have this. . .connection. It's hard to explain it, but because of it he taught me a few things. He taught me how to use my sword," How to summon it, "about the world," The world they were trapped into, "and it cruelties."

Jaune's face grew older at the memory of that fateful night. The pain, the sorrow, the regret, and all the blood spilled by their blades. He would have died that night, weak and broken, if Adam had chosen to kill him. Instead he left him to wallow in his injuries and despair. In the end, Adam had taught him a few things that day. About how lacking he was, how weak he had been, and monsters that lurked in his new reality.

"In the end, we wound up fighting because of our ideals and what we believed to be right. As you can guess, it didn't end well for me." Jaune gravely chuckled with darkened eyes.

Blake's eyes fell onto his chest, remembering the horrid scar of weathered tissue. Whatever had dealt such a fatal wound had left him to die, to bleed out after tearing through his vitals. Could it be? She was almost too afraid to ask.

In the end, she swallowed back any hesitation, her hands moving across to lay gently onto his chest. Gripping his school blazer she gazed into his eyes with sorrow, "Did. . .was he responsible for your scar?"

Okay, now he was entering some dangerous water here. If he said yes, then he would be placing all the blame onto Adam. Which didn't sound too bad to him, Adam wasn't exactly on his list of favorable people after what he had done. Problem laid in the fact he would be lying. Again. A hollow laugh escaped his lips at the thought before sighing. No matter what, it seemed he couldn't shake the damn habit.

Oh well, throwing Adam to the grinder wasn't so bad. Had to find a way to get back at the bastard one way. What better way then turning his old partner against him more?

"I don't like to talk about it. It's something I don't try to think on anymore." he smiled grimly as he laid his good hand onto Blake's. "Adam had said a few things about his work in the White Fang, even mentioned you a bit. Finding you in Beacon really was a shock. I was sure you'd still be by his side." he said with fake surprise.

Hey, if all this didn't work out, he could probably try out acting. Sadly, he was too good for his own good.

Blake shared his empty laugh, "Same as you, only I realized too late how far gone we had gone. I had abandoned my home to follow him, believing he was right. I was only fooling myself, turning away from the things we were doing in the name of justice. I entered Beacon hoping to change, to make up for the things I've done by becoming a huntress."

"What about your family? If you left home to follow him, have you talked to them since? If I was them, I'd be worried to death over my kid being part of some terrorist organization."

"They don't know about the Fang's recent activities over the years. Back at Menagerie, news travels slow to the mainland. Not to mention its split into branches across the lands, making it hard to pin all the troubles on all the sects. Far as they know, I simply left the organization to become a huntress. And that's how I'd like to keep it." she smiled sadly.

"I can understand that. If my parents knew half the things that went down this month, they'd track me down and drag me home by my ear." Jaune chuckled. "So much has happened in a short amount of time, the semester's only begun. Hopefully we're done with all this excitement for now."

Not likely seeing as they still had to deal with Blake and Weiss's fight which would lead to finding Roman Torchwick working with the White Fang. After that, things would be smooth sailing until the second semester started.

"Well, your secret's safe with me. But you should think about talking to your team about your past. Especially Weiss." he frowned lightly as he turned to look at Blake. "You don't want them to suddenly find out one day and freak out."

"I'll think about it." Blake said with an unsure expression. Her time in the White Fang wasn't a fond memory, just thinking back on it was unpleasant. Telling her team about it was pretty much out of the question right now. Maybe in the future.

Still, it was mind boggling to know that Jaune of all people had learned from Adam. The red haired man despised humans, learning that he taught Jaune a few things was something she could hardly believe. But what reason would Jaune have to lie to her? The scar on his chest was proof enough. Only Adam would be so cruel to leave his opponent to succumb to their wounds.

"Sooo, uh, are you going to move your hand away from my chest yet?"

Blake blushed in embarrassment, forgetting her hands were gripping onto Jaune' s uniform. Well, not gripping, at some point they had abandoned social norm and began gently running across his chest. Had to give it to Yang, Jaune was definitely starting to develop some muscles under that scrawny appearance.

In the blink of an eye, Blake snatched her hand back to her chest. A small shy grin greeted Jaune back as she apologized.

"Sorry, my mind must have been elsewhere." Like how her fingers felt grazing the muscles underneath his blazer. After this was over with, she was going to need another helping of Ninja's of Love to calm her beating heart.

"It's alright. I've had that feeling plenty of times since coming into Beacon." Now that her question was answered, Jaune hopped back onto his feet. Today had been more eventful than he expected, it was time for bed. Another long day awaited him and he was still going to have to prepare for their trip to Forever Fall on Friday. Had a lot more then tree sap gathering to do.

"It's getting late. We should head back to our dorms for the night. Don't want our teams worrying about us anymore then they've had lately."

Finding Jaune's hand reaching out for her to take, Blake grabbed onto it as he helped her up. He was right, it was getting late. Didn't want Ruby questioning her on her whereabouts. Always resulted in Yang getting in on the action and grilling her for details on her nightly 'debauchery'. While Blake wasn't exactly a saint, she wasn't some woman that went out at night to party and sleep with a guy who bought her drinks. Closest thing she had to sex was her books. And her Blake time.

"Right, I don't want to be late for class again. Weiss is very punctual."

Bed was calling, and no one could ignore such a temptation.

Blake did sigh just before they left the rooftop, stopping Jaune as he reached for the door. It was embarrassing, but she owed him more then she could repay him for everything so far.

She hugged him. Took him by complete surprise as she brought her arms around his waist and closed the distance. Her beet red face hid in his chest as the only sound around them was the passing wind.

To say Jaune was surprised was an understatement. Blake was not a social person, she was not a touchy person. For her to hug him was a big deal. This was the most contact he had ever had with the girl since he had met her. He had no idea what to do right now but to hug her back.

"Thanks by the way. For saving me and keeping my identity a secret. You've risked your literal life for me, and I don't know how I could ever repay you."

Jaune smiled, patting her back as he let her have her moment. He didn't need any repayment. Having her there was more then enough.

"Just continue doing what you're doing. Having you here in my arms is more then enough, Blake."

'A Special Moment has been created! Congratulations! You've Unlocked Blake Belladona's Affection!'

As quick as the hug came it left. Blake pushed off from the startled blonde knight, her face brighter as her eyes went wide with an unknown emotion he'd never seen in the cat faunus eyes. She looked away before swinging the door wide open.

"Anyways, thanks for everything, see you tomorrow! Bye!"

The door was then slammed in front of his face. From the sounds of it, Blake was in a hurry to head back to her dorm, mumbling loud curses as her feet sprinted down the steps before fading away.

Jaune blinked. Okay, that was weird. Wonder what made her so jumpy?

"Finally! Now I can get some god damn sleep!"

"Dammit, Cardin! What did I say about shutting your window and putting on some music!? That was a private moment!"

"Then don't have a moment on the roof of my dorm! Now, GOOD NIGHT!"

"FINE! GOOD NIGHT! AND DON'T LET THE BED BUGS BITE!"

"I WON'T!"

The sound of a window slamming was enough to tell Jaune that now was a good time to exit. No reason to stay any longer. But, as always, the buzzing of his scroll stopped him from making another stepped. Might as well see what that was about.

'Congratulations! You've received a Gift from Blake Belladona! To receive your Gift, simply raise your scroll into the air to download its contents!'

A gift? But she just left. He shrugged, chalking it up to the games odd mechanics before raising his scroll.

The animation of a crane hand dropping little colorful Dust crystals appeared on his scroll's screen as he downloaded the gift. Once it had finished filling his screen with data, it gave off a little celebratory chime just as a puff of smoke popped out of nowhere in front of his eyes. And from the smoke, a literal treasure chest greeted Jaune.

An honest to god treasure chest, the kind he would find in his adventure games.

"My life's a game, this is normal. What I'm seeing right now is normal. Great." Jaune breathed in a deep breath as he calmed himself down. Wasn't even going to question it anymore. He was just going to tap it open and collect his gift.

Summoning Crocea Mors into his hand, Jaune gave the treasure chest a light tap.

'You've received Raid Bracers!'

An orb of dazzling light sprang up from the chest, slamming into Jaune's scroll. With a new item in his inventory, Jaune brought up his gear to look it over.

'Raid Bracers(x1): Special bracers designed for those who fight in the shadows and night. Adds protection and equipped with several wrapped bandages concealing hooks for grappling mid-distances.[Stealth Hooks]

+15Def.'

A pair of black ninja braces were displayed on his screen, loosely wrapped by several black bandages. They were fingerless with studded knuckles and a white cross scar on the back of the hand. Looked like he just found a new piece of armor for his huntsman gear.

He was going to need all the advantages he could take right now. If he was going to fight Ren, he needed better gear. Mostly due to the fact Holt had turned his armor and favorite hoodie to rags and scrap.

'I wonder if Coco's really going to make me new clothes? I could really use an upgrade.'

---

"And that! Is what happens when you mix some Aloe Vera leaves, Elderberry, and Spring water together just right with ground Dust. You get what we in the Field industry call a Parvus Aura Potio." Ms. Antheia said cheerfully as she held up a small flask of blue crystal liquid to her class.

Thursday was here and the school day was almost over with. First Period had gone by smoothly with a pop quiz in Professor Port's class on the anatomy of a Deathstalker. Jaune was happy to say he aced the quiz. At this point he was well aware of a scorpion's weakness seeing as they didn't like him. Still had no idea what it was about him that caught their attention. Second Period in Dust Studies was a little difficult but he managed by without being smacked by Professor Pitho's Dust balls of mystery. Even got a thumbs up from the man for passing his test on the properties of Dust and their uses. Well, just barely. Had to thank Weiss for helping him on his test last minute.

Now all that was left was Field Studies where, after a long hours of studying and avoiding Professor Anthiea's sexy leer, he was learning how to create a potion!

If only Nora would stop shaking the beaker so feverishly. The teacher said to lightly shake the contents, not bounce around like a jackrabbit drunk on energy drinks. Was it suppose to overflow with foggy wisps?

"Or, as you all may call it, a Small Aura Potion! Completely different from the Toxic Vial my sparky little Orange Tulip has created in her hands." Professor Antheia giggled.

The students around Jaune and Nora immediately scouted as far back from the two as possible. Something Jaune envied as he was forced to try and wrestle the deadly item from his teammates vice grip.

"Nora! She said it's toxic! That means we should dispose of it in a proper way!"

"Exactly! Now where can I find some meanies to chuck this at? Oh! Better yet, I still have a score to settle with the cafeteria staff! Ban me for month, will they?!"

Professor Antheia pouted as she watched Jaune wrestle Nora atop their desk. The blonde boy had the girl's hands planted against the desk while Nora had her feet clutching onto his waist. It was pretty erotic in her eyes. How she wished she could be in Nora's place.

Sadly, class was still in progress. Clapping her hands together, Professor Antheia broke up the two's little match, sending a small glare that was capable enough to calm Nora down and hand the vial to Jaune without another word.

'Toxic Vial(x1)!'

'I don't want this! What am I suppose to do with a poisoned potion?' Jaune thought in dismay as he sent the deadly concoction into his inventory. Hopefully he didn't mistakenly drink it. Next chance he had he was tossing it somewhere it could do no harm.

With her classes attention falling on her once again, Antheia continued, "Now, as you can all see, my potion is blue. That's because a normal aura potion naturally tastes extremely bitter, like pure alcohol mixed with granite. To counteract the taste, we simply add ground fruit to the mix which dyes its color based on the fruit. I've added blueberries to my own seeing as it's my favorite fruit. Just never mix cranberry, unless you have 'special' problems."

Snatching another flask from Nora's hand, Jaune repeated the process all over again. This time without Nora mixing in the ingredients. And with a light shake of the flask they created their first potion! No wonder they had come out with a poisoned potion, Nora mixed in the wrong herb.

'Small Aura Potion, synthesized! Small Aura Potion Recipe, Discovered!' +1,000EXP!

"Well done, darling. I expect no less from a man like yourself."

Jaune jumped back from his seat as he found Professor Antheia's face close to his own. Seriously, how the hell was she able to do that? Was it her semblance or something. Calming down his beating heart, Jaune smiled thankfully at his teacher.

"I couldn't have done it without you, Professor Antheia. I was starting to fall behind in class lately, but you've given me all the help you can to get this far. I can't thank you enough."

"Of course, darling! It would hurt me more if you were to fail at my class. I wouldn't be able to bare it." she moaned, biting her lips as she inched her face closer to Jaune's. Jaune's eye twitched at the action, only growing worse watching her fingers undue the top buttons to her blouse.

At this point, his Intelligence had grown enough to slap him in the face and let him know that his teacher had the hots for him. Was it sad that he kinda wished he was still thick headed? Ignorance was bliss after all. Ignoring such a sexy forbidden temptation like Professor Antheia wasn't doing any good to his status as a man. Hell, he was starting to think that Pyrrha might have a crush on him.

Back in his own class, Ren felt the familiar urge to strangle his leader come over his twitching hand.

"Right. Guess I owe you another one." Jaune gulped as the orange haired woman caressed his face. Clearly she didn't understand personal space.

"Oh?" Antheia tilted her head in confusion, tapping her glossy lips in thought before snapping her fingers in realization, "The Ambrosia I lent you? Don't worry, darling. I'm sure you and I can work something out sometime." she said, licking her lips hungrily.

"Uh, Teach? You know we're still in the middle of class, right?" Yang called out to her teacher, breaking her from her daily flirting with Jaune.

Professor Antheia pouted but relented as she patted Jaune's cheek one last time before going back to her class. He heaved a sigh of relief as Nora snickered.

"Well, class is just about over for the day, sadly." she mumbled the last part to herself as all the clocks on the students desk slowly ticked off to the end of the school day, "For tomorrows lesson, we will be heading out on a little field trip to Forever Fall! There, we will be studying how to gather herbs, how to synthesize items on the field, learn to scout our surroundings for the right ingredients, and to ward away any threats, such as the creatures of Grimm, while gathering. Do remember to take along your combat attire and weapons, Forever Fall is home to some nasty Grimm. Don't want to send a nice bouquet of flowers to your parents if you kick the bucket!"

"She shouldn't be so gleeful about that." Blake deadpanned at the bright expression on the woman's face.

"Of course, this will be a joint field trip with all of my classes. So remember to group up with your team and follow your leader to the bullheads tomorrow and don't forget to pack a lunch!"

With the end of her sentence, the digital bells rang, signaling the end of their school day. Gathering their things, the students got up from their seats and exited the room to spend the rest of the day doing whatever they wanted. Professor Antheia blew a kiss to her darling knight as he followed Nora, Yang, and Blake out, gulping as she undid another button.

'No! Don't fall for her sexy ways! Just think about Snow Angel, just think about Snow Angel!'

A sharp smack brought Jaune out of whatever daze the sexy teacher had him in. Blake gave him a pointed glare, huffing as she turned away and continued walking with Yang. She did not look happy.

Nora grinned as she fell alongside him, "Look at you, Jaune-Jaune. Seems I'm the only one safe from your dorkish charm."

"Dorkish charm?" Jaune scoffed amusingly, "I wish I had that kind of charm. I mean, how ironic would it be if I was able to make every girl around me fall for me except the girl I actually want to like me? Even I can't have that kind of bad luck."

"I wouldn't know if that's bad luck." Nora said skeptically. Up ahead of them, she could make out Blake subtly sneaking glances back at her team leader. "Just think about the possibilities! You could have your own harem! Course that would mean that I would probably get sucked into it too. Hmm, don't know how to feel about that." Nora mused, tapping her lip in deep thought as Jaune could only sigh. What an imagination, "I guess that would be alright, as long as you make me queen of your harem! I won't take anything less." she nodded stubbornly.

"Right, sure." Jaune nodded sarcastically, "If I ever have a harem, I'll make you my queen or whatever. Fat chance of that ever happening though."

Nora pumped her fist victoriously, "Sweet!"

A buzz on his scroll turned him away from his odd teammate. Looked like a message from Velvet. Must have just come back from her mission.

'Hi, Jaune! It's Velvet. We just came back from our mission and Coco wants to see you as soon as possible. I think you'll like what she has for you~! And we can talk about where we should go out tonight! Come by our dorm when you're ready.'

Right, almost forgot about promising Velvet that they would go out for a bite when she got back. He did owe her. Finding her dorm number in her message, Jaune memorized it before thinking on where to take her. If he was ever going to take a nice, pretty girl out to eat, where would he go?

Better ask Velvet's opinion. Just needed to stop by his dorm and change.

"As my first act as your harem queen, I will demand pancakes every morning after our nightly orgies. Anything less, and you're sleeping outside in the crappy dog house with Ren as I make the heavens rain onto your sorry ass!"

"When did we agree to a dog? And why the hell is Ren there?"

---

A stop by his dorm and a change of clothes, and Jaune was soon standing in front of team CFVY's dorm room. It was a struggle, but he was now wearing a blue hoodie over a white shirt, black jeans, and his regular pair of sneakers. Giving a quick knock on the door, Jaune waited for them to open the door.

"Coming!" Cracking the door open a bit, a familiar set of bunny ears peeked out along with Velvet's dark brown eyes, "Jaune! I didn't expect you to come by so quickly. Good thing I've already changed out of my combat gear." she grinned.

The grin was infectious as Jaune couldn't help but grin back. Except something caught his eye as he got a good look at Velvet's face, scrunching his brows at what looked like bandages around her collar. Was she hurt?

"Hey, Velvet. Good to see you. Are you okay?" Jaune asked in concern, stepping past the door to enter her dorm. Inside looked the same as any dorm except the little touches here and there. One bedside was decorated with fashion magazines, expensive looking designer bags, and sewing materials. Across from that bedside, Jaune made out Yatsuhashi reading a comic as he sat back on his bed, decorated with bedside bansai tree, weights, and a medication mat. The large student greeted the blonde knight with a wave and a polite smile, his right arm bandaged along with a few healing bruises on his face.

"It's good to see you again, Jaune. If I had known we had company coming, I would have prepared some tea."

On his own bed, Fox scowled, too occupied with the handheld game in his hands to chit chat with Jaune. Out of all of them, his side of the room was pretty sparse, the only thing worth noting being the shelve of video games by his bedside and punching bag at the end of his bedside. Like his teammates, his body was bandaged, mostly around his arms. The scowl on his face grew deeper as he struggled through his game due to the pain shooting up his sprained fingers.

"What happened to you guys? You look like you were mauled by a bear." Just looking at the bandages stretching from Velvet's collar to her arms was worrying.

Fox scoffed, still refusing to look back at Jaune, "Unlike you, we can handle a simple bear."

"Ignore Fox's snark, his wounds are causing him to act sourly." Yatsuhashi apologized.

Velvet waved away Jaune's concern as she lead him to her side of the room. Her bed was decorated with little plush figures ranging from animals to the wrestling persona's from Nora's RWE, photo's of her time in Beacon, and a shelve of books. He rose a brow finding his Jaune-cena plush sitting on her bedside pillow. 'I still don't understand why I don't get any Lien for this stuff. They're using my image for crying out loud!'

"It's nothing much to worry about, Jaune! Our mission was just a little more then we could have handled is all." Velvet laughed it off poorly.

"What kind of mission leaves you like this?" If this is what they looked like after their aura's had healed the worst of the damage, he was afraid to ask what they had gone through, "And where's Coco? I thought she'd be here with you guys resting up after finishing your mission." he asked as he looked for any sign of the fashion minded huntress.

"Coco's meeting with the headmaster right now to discuss the details of our extermination mission." Yatsuhashi answered as he set down his comic. He groaned, stretching out his sword arm of its tension and soreness, "It's a common practice for all leaders when they complete a mission under the school. They met up with the teacher that assigned their missions, discuss how the job had gone along, and receive payment upon completion. But with all that had occurred during our mission, I don't believe we will be seeing her for some time." he frowned.

"Extermination mission?" He'd heard about it before. When team RWBY had gone off to Mt. Glenn, they had originally wanted to take it, but were barred due to being first years.

Velvet nodded, "An Extermination mission is where you're sent out to eliminate the threat of Grimm troubling a village or town. Due to the massive number of the monsters, it's a mission type that only those above first year can take. Normally, it's horde of lesser Grimm; like young Beowolves or Ursai, but there are times when a more powerful horde are drawn from a surge of negativity."

"Unfortunately for us, we had to deal with something stronger then a simple horde." Yatsuhashi sighed as he rubbed his aching shoulders, "We had a run in with a Deviant."

"But we can talk about that later!" Velvet butted in before Jaune could ask more. She puffed her cheeks, lightly stomping her feet as she playfully glared with crossed arms, "You, still owe me for worrying me half to death fighting Holt. And I've been starving myself silly in hopes of you paying for my meal. We can talk about my mission once I've seen some food set down in front of my eyes. You haven't forgotten," her cute brown eyes narrowed sharply as her voice grew uncharacteristically cold, "Have you?"

"Course not! I would never forget about our date!" Jaune smiled as he waved his hands in panic. He did wince at the slip of the tongue. Did not mean to make it sound they were going on a date.

Velvet didn't seem to mind though, even beamed at his slip, "Good! Now, just wait out the door for a bit, I still have to change into something nice before we leave. Can't go out in my school wear, can I?"

He shrugged, "Doesn't matter much to me, you look fi-"

"I said, Can't go out in my school wear, can I?" The chilling drop in her voice came back as the whole room's temperature dropped to zero. Even Fox shivered at his teammates icy tone.

Jaune nodded feverishly with a shaken grin, "Yup! I'll just wait outside and shut up!"

As quick as it came, Velvet's cold eyes and tone vanished as she giggled, "Good! Be ready in a bit." she winked before skipping away to get ready.

Yatsuhashi nodded his head in respect, "Be strong, my friend. Just remember, she can smell fear."

"She's going to eat you alive." Fox snickered.

But she looked so cute and docile! Who knew sweet little Velvet could look threatening?

---

Sizzling baby back ribs greeted Velvet's hungry eyes on a bed of yellow rice, topped off with three red onions and several chopped carrot slices circling the platter. Her empty stomach approved, growling loudly as she smacked her lips hungrily.

"One order of the Sweet Wilderness, sub carrots instead of fries, ready!" The cherry haired waitress smiled brightly before setting down Jaune's order, "And a Shrimp Alfredo with a side of fries! Hope you folks enjoy, alright?" she grinned before heading off for the counter.

As much as Jaune would have liked to head back to the noodle stand for lunch again, he thought better of it as he searched around for a good spot to eat. Velvet looked like she needed more then noodles to settler her hunger and Pyrrha did say too much ramen would stunt his growth. This was where his Gamer powers came in handy; his HUD's map had helped in locating a nice place to eat and even described what was available to eat. Didn't even need to take out his scroll for it. Finding a small restaurant with some buzz, Jaune lead Velvet in and went on ordering.

He was a bit surprised to see the normally timid girl salivate at the sight of ribs. Had her pegged for a vegetarian or something. They sat in a booth across another surrounded by other guests. Velvet was dressed in a burgundy v-cut shirt, brown vest, black and red checkered skirt, and dark blue leggings with red sneakers. All in all, she looked cute as she wiped her mouth of drool.

Jaune chuckled at the stars in Velvet's eyes, "Don't wait on me, dig in."

Didn't have to tell her twice. Nodding her head in thanks, Velvet dug right in. She moaned as she bit into a rib, tearing its meat right off before spooning several scoops of rice into her greedy mouth feverishly.

"Whoa, whoa! Easy there, Velvet. I don't want you to choke on your meal." Jaune warned, earning an embarrassed grin from the mouthful girl, "Don't want Coco hunting me down for killing her friend via stuffing her to death."

Gulping her meal down, Velvet laughed back as she scratched her cheek, "Sorry about that. I haven't had a proper meal since yesterday. We were all being checked on after our fight with the Deviant Grimm and were feed vitamins. I was literally starving to death when we arrived." sipping her cold fountain drink, she sighed in relief.

"There's that word again, Deviant. I never heard of that before." Jaune frowned as he stuck his fork into his cheesy pasta. Professor Port had never talked about a Grimm like that and he could recall General Ironwood mentioning it before.

"Deviants aren't something you'll learn about just yet. I believe I learned about them during my second semester in Port's class." Soaking her carrots in the juice of her ribs, Velvet hummed in delight before continuing, "The creatures of Grimm are known to be mindless, drawn only by negativity. And as the years go on, they develop odd bone like growths to protect them from other wild creatures and threats. But those who have survived fights against huntsman are unlike the run of the mill Grimm, they seem to develop intelligence, picking up on fighting habits and growing stronger from their fights. They are what we call Deviants, Grimm that have the combat abilities of huntsman and huntresses and at times even learn to wield weapons. And they can be a scary bunch to fight." she shivered as she recalled her fight with the one that had attacked Misenwood.

"The original intent of our mission was to fend of the sudden rise of Creepers terrorizing Misenwood, and while it had been exhausting dealing with the large number of them, we were able to wipe them out. But there was a problem, the village had originally sent another team for hire huntsman to deal with the origin of the threat, only for them to never come back. It was on our final day of protecting its walls that we found the source of the negativity marching towards us."

"And it was able to beat you guys up this much?" Jaune said astounded. Team CFVY wasn't to be taken lightly, they had some heavy hitters on their team. He didn't know much about Velvet's weapon or semblance, but her hand to hand alone was just as good as Yang's. "What the hell kind of Grimm was it?"

Velvet stared off into her drink, her thoughts turning back to yesterday and the monstrous beast that had attacked them.

"It's what's known as a Chimera. They come in different breeds; the one we fight was a cross between a Creeper and an Alpha Beowolf. That wasn't the worst part about it though." she laughed weakly as she looked at Jaune mirthfully.

"It could wield an Ax, picked up by one of its prey. And it was made of Fire Dust."

---

Flames burned the patches of earth around the large wooden gates of Misenwood. Deep scratches littered the surrounding area, wooden carts of fruit and vegetables were strewn about in heaps of scorched rubble, and the guard posts were blown to smoking timber wood. A guttural growl filled the air, sending chills down Velvet's spine as she feel on one knee. She panted, her throat dry as desert sand as she flinched from the deep cut on her bleeding arm.

Jumping back by her side, the rest of her team struggled to stand their ground before the monster facing them down. Coco spat to the side, tossing her shattered sunglasses away with a glare.

Standing at seven feet, a Grimm Chimera stared them down with glowing red eyes. Its body was that of an Alpha Beowolf, its head replaced by the lizard like maw of a Creep with a sharp horn at its snout. Its muscled forearms were adorned by three slicked spikes, its whipping lizard tail edged like a weathered blade, and its legs were heavily protected by bone plates. It was truly a menacing sight to fight. Made only worse by the double sided heated ax in its clawed fingers.

"Of all things to hit us now, why the hell did it have to be a Deviant Chimera?" Coco groaned as she fixed the ammo belt to her Gatling gun purse. Even she didn't have enough bullets to kill something like that.

The Chimera barked, its bark turning into a hiss midway through before it charged at the four hunters. It dragged along its newfound weapon for a chop at all four. Yatsuhashi quickly stepped in, slamming his large cleaver in front of his team to block the swing. He grunted in pain as the ax slammed into his blade, the very pressure behind the monster's weapon cutting though him by some unseen pressure. Seeing the Grimm focused on his teammate, Fox ran past the beast, cocking his bladed knuckles back before jumping for its exposed back. His white eyes went wide finding his face suddenly gripped by its free hand.

"Let him go!" Velvet shouted, sprinting after her friend suspended in the air by its claws. Her camera box creaked open, printing out a copy of her partners large cleaver as she aimed to slice its arm clean off. The bladed edged tip of its tail said otherwise. It shot at her stomach mid swing, nearly piercing by her aura. But she stayed her ground, gritting her teeth as she delivered a powerful uppercut swing at its arms.

Blood spilled out from the carving slash, but failed to amputate its limb. Turning its head to her, it barked, having had enough of her and the brown skinned huntsman slamming his fist at its arm. It lashed its tail at the faunus bunny, scoring blood as it slashed her across the chest before swinging its arm with Fox at her. Both huntsman were sent flying back to their leader from the lariat, wounded and bleeding. It then reared its ax back, the absence of its weight stumbling Yatsuhashi in surprise before it swung its body around, slamming its tail into his guard. The blow cracked his cleaver and sent him skidding back. The Chimera roared in frustration, the very volume of it distorting the air around it.

Yatsuhashi huffed lightly, sweat running down his forehead as he refused to kneel. After this was over with, he was going to have to stop by the smith to tamper his blade. Hopefully it could last till then.

Roaring again, the Chimera heaved its worn ax high into the air, slamming it down to the earth to fire an arc of lashing flames after the tall swordsman. Grunting, Yatsuhashi retaliated with a blade of pressured air from his blade. The two attacks met, detonating in a plume of clouding flames and smoke. With a swing of its ax, the Chimera did away with the smoke cover of fire as it charged after Yatsuhashi with an open snarl. Bullet fire stopped it in its tracks mid swing, stunning it in place as Coco unleashed bullet hell from her machine gun.

"Velvet! Mimic: Double Espresso!" she shouted loudly over the gunfire. Velvet nodded firmly, printing out a copy of her leader's weapon out of light. Falling in line beside her, the rabbit faunus copied Coco's stance and fired her own bullets made of Light Dust. Their combined assault was enough to keep the monster from attacking, its body peppered and wracked by the bullets.

"Fox, Yatsuhashi! Giant Piercer!"

Hearing their leader's command, the two huntsman followed her orders. Yatsuhashi fell back to stand behind the two girls while Fox sprinted back from the three. Applying aura to his feet for a boost, Fox became a blur as he ran straight for his team. Stopping their gunfire, Velvet and Coco stepped aside to avoid Fox as Yatsuhashi lifted his cleaver for a mighty swing. The flat side of his blade met the silent huntsman as he flipped, landing his feet against the flat side. Muscles bulging, Yatsuhashi roared as he swung his blade, firing Fox off like a cannonball.

The Chimera shook its head, growling furiously before turning back to the humans. In the blink of an eye, a blurring streak of dark orange blitzed by it, piercing its side with a gaping hole and lobbing of its right arm wielding ax. Blood spewed from its amputated limb as Fox skidded to a stop behind it. Loading a shell into his elbow bladed gauntlets, he aimed for its back and fired a lightning infused shot.

Lightning sprang around its body, causing it to howl in pain. It was left stun, growling as its body trembled.

Coco sighed in relief, happy for a second to breath. Was starting to run low on ammo, wasn't sure they could keep this up after fighting the horde.

"Alright, let's finish i-"

"COCO!"

The Chimera's angered howl shook the earth, lashing out its tail to smack into Fox. Luckily he was quick enough to blow with his arms, but the loud snap resonating didn't sound right as he was sent sprawling on his back. In a burst of incredible speed, the Chimera blurred in front of the fashion loving huntress, raising its only arm above her. Eying the girl as she prepared to step back, its tail coiled around her waist to keep her still before dropping its raking bony claws against her small body.

Coco's aura waned, breaking under the monstrous claw slash as four deep lacerations were clawed against her front. She gasped in pain, grunting as she fought to stay conscious in the dark creatures hold. Damn, didn't look like she would survive another hit like that.

"READY, MEN!? FIRE!"

Whistling gunfire filled the air just before the Chimera's back was bombarded by mechanical gunfire. It lost its grip on Coco as she fell back, quickly caught by Velvet before jumping back from another hail of gunfire.

Running towards the injured team, an armored villager greeted the hunters along with a few of his brothers armed for a fight, "Thank Oum we're not too late. As much as we trust you hunters, once we got word of a Deviant, we prepared ourselves to help out if need to. Good thing we did, right?" he smiled through his armored helm.

Velvet smiled gratefully towards the man, even more so as few other of his men carried Fox over to them "We really appreciate it."

Another howl escaped the Chimera through the cloud of dust kicked up by the gunfire raining down upon it, clearing it away to snarl madly at its prey. Bullet holes were drilled into its skin and bone platting, spilling its blood onto the ground as it loudly cracked its neck. Even after everything, it was still raring to go with only one arm. It stared them down hungrily, smacking its damaged tail around lazily.

Sucking in the pain, Coco stood back on her own legs despite the villager's protest. She hocked a bloody loogie, cleaning her mouth of the blood running down her lips as she rubbed her aching neck with a tired sigh. Seemed she lost her beret in the fighting. Damn.

"I know where most of my reward money's going to. The things I do keep my wardrobe up to date."

---

Jaune's jaw fell in awe as Velvet repeated the story of her mission with him. What the hell kind of monster could withstand that much damage? Here he had thought Grimm simply died to a few hits. What he was hearing was insane.

"How did you guy's kill it?" he breathed incredulously with wide eyes.

"With a whole lot of bullets and effort." Velvet said flatly, sipping the last of her drink. By now, she had cleaned her plate spotless, leaving not even a crumb behind. It was safe to say she was satisfied. "Luckily, we didn't suffer any casualties, which is a rare case when fighting a Deviant. It was actually Yatsuhashi and I that had finished it off with a combined team attack. Chopped its ugly head right off!" she grinned victoriously.

Well, that was quite a story. Jaune slumped back in his seat, feeling exhausted just listening to the tale. He was going to have to make a mental note to never fight one of those things. While he was stronger then before, he was sure he wasn't ready to fight a Grimm that could fight like a huntsman.

"I'm just glad you guys made it back alive. And here you were getting upset with me for nearly dying a few days ago." he playfully glared, earning an embarrassed huffy pout from the brunette rabbit faunus, "You shouldn't even be out right now; you should be resting up. Sounds like your body's a giant aching bruise."

"Don't think that excuses you from your actions. I'm still upset that you had nearly died. Didn't you promise me that we wouldn't see you like that again? I guess I know not to trust you too much on promises." she grumbled as she looked away.

That. . .stung. Jaune winced at the blow. He had been hoping she had let that go, but if Blake hadn't, then Velvet wouldn't be anytime soon. "I deserve that. Guess even when I'm trying to do right, I'm still doing something wrong." he sighed dejectedly.

"No, no, no! Don't listen to silly old me!" Velvet waved her hands in panic, mentally cursing herself out for bringing down the blonde knight. He sagged further in his seat, sipping his grape soda in depression, "I still trust you! I'm just upset at myself for being useless during the whole ordeal! I mean, I'm a second year huntress, I have two years experience fighting Grimm and other hunters, yet I couldn't do more then stall and lead the others away as I left you to all the fighting. I've never felt so useless." she frowned sadly, her bunny ears drooping with her mood.

Jaune shook his head as he straightened himself back up, "Don't beat yourself up. You're a great huntress, I couldn't do halve the things you do. Besides, in the end, we all made it out okay. That's what really matters."

"Yeah, I guess you're right. As long as you're still breathing, I can forgive your recklessness." she smiled as she held her hand to her heart. "Just remember what I told you; don't make a habit of it. If you're ever in trouble, I'll be there to lend you a hand. It's the least I could do for you." she said softly with a light blush.

"Same for you. I may not be much, but if you're ever in need of a knight in shining armor, I'm only a call away!" he grinned.

"I'll keep you up to that." she giggled. Was it weird that heart may have skipped a beat?

"Now, how about desert?"

---

The sun was setting by the time Jaune and Velvet arrived back at Beacon. After they had finished their meals, they had spent some time looking around the local shops to pass the time. Even bought some food from the stands for his team. It had been a fun afternoon, almost like he had actually gone off on a date with the bunny faunus. Though he kept that thought to himself, not wanting to spoil their fun.

Arriving at her dorm, Velvet shuffled shyly as they stood outside the door. She couldn't remember the last she had that much fun with someone other then her team. The blush on her face had yet to leave the entire time they had been out. Too bad their time had to come to end. She couldn't help but pout.

"Well, I better head back to my dorm. Got to prepare for our trip to Forever Fall." Jaune said as gave Velvet a quick hug. The girl hugged back, sighing in content in his arms before blinking and shaking her head. What was going on with her? She stepped back, turning away from the blonde as she clasped her hands over her beating chest.

Why was the thought of his lips over her own running in her mind? Ever since that life saving kiss, she couldn't forget the feeling of his soft lips pressing against her own. Despite the blood, she couldn't deny the flutter of her heart.

Dear god, she wasn't crushing on a first year. . .right?

"Right. The doctor did say to take the next few days off while my aura worked on healing my wounds. Guess I should head to bed then." she chuckled awkwardly as she pressed her fingers together.

Nodding in understanding, Jaune was ready to turn back and head to his dorm. He paused, scratching his head as he fought with himself, Ah, what the hell.

"Hey, Velvet." he said, catching her before she opened her dorm. Finding her dark brown eyes back on him and her ears standing at alert, Jaune fought the blush on his face as he continued, "If you ever, you know, want to hang out like that again, don't be afraid to ask. I like hanging out with you, and I'd like for us to do this kind of thing again. We may not be close friends, but I hope to change that! So, I'm free if you ever want to hang out." he grinned widely, his teeth sparkling in her eyes.

Damn his dorky charm! When did her legs become jelly?

Velvet nodded her head feverishly, "Of course! I'll let you know when I got the free time. See ya!" she said rapidly before dashing inside her dorm.

'Velvet's Affection has risen! A new Perk has been Unlocked! Scarlet Drive, Unlocked!'

At this point, he wasn't even surprised at the addition of his new perk. Scarlet Drive did sound pretty cool. He was going to have to check it out before heading off on the field trip. With all the abilities, skills, and perks he's unlocked through the past few days, he was going to have to organize them into a solid equip-able set for his fight against Ren.

A buzzing by his scroll broke him out of his thoughts, turning his attention to the new message on his scroll.

'Hey, Jaune. It's Coco. Met by the fountain by the courtyard when you can. I've got a little gift for you~!'

Right, almost forgot about that. Well, he still had some time before heading back. He was actually eager to see what she had for him.

---

Sitting on the edge of the fountain, Coco greeted Jaune with a wave. By the time he got there, the sun had already set and night had arrived. And just like the rest of her team, Coco's visible skin was wrapped in bandages, she hadn't even changed out of her gear. Seemed she had even lost her favorite pair of sunglasses and baret seeing as he could make out her dark brown eyes. From the looks of it, she was even more wounded then her team, even had her right arm in a cast like him.

"Hey! Twinsies!" she grinned, gesturing to their broken arms. He couldn't help but roll his eyes as he chuckled.

"I told Velvet, so I'll tell you; You should be resting back at your dorm. After the story she told me, you of all people should be in bed." he scolded as he met her by the fountain.

Coco shrugged nonchalantly, "I ain't the kind of girl that likes to stay in bed. Not without some motivation." she winked.

Jaune stared flatly at the girl. Dear god, it was like talking to an older, wiser, Yang. What a scary thought.

"Anyways, I simply wanted to give you that little present I promised you. I had just finished sewing the last stitch before the warning bells at the gate had us leaping for action. I hope you like them, I can guarantee you that they'll offer you more protection then your old Pumpkin Pete's hoodie and jeans." she grinned proudly as she handed him a wrapped parcel. It's black wrapping was decorated with her cross hair symbol and a gold bow.

'You've received a Special Gift! Coco's Cross Eye Collection #1(x1CEC Knight's Hoodie, x1CEC Knight's Gloves, x1CEC Knight's Cargo Jeans, x1CEC Knight's Boots, and x1CEC Knight's Ammo Belt)!'

With the special gift in hand, Jaune was at loss of words. When he had first been accepted to Beacon, he had literally left with the clothes on his back. The little armor he had bought was the only piece of huntsman wear on him. But with this, he would finally look the part. It almost brought a tear to his eye.

"Coco, I don't. . .I don't know how to repay you." he laughed hoarsely, hating himself as he wound up sniffing back the tears in his eyes. He couldn't wait to put it on tomorrow.

"Don't worry about it. It's the least I could do for saving my girl, Velvet. She's safe and sound because of you. Outfitting you in some sharp combat gear was more of a pleasure then a favor. Don't forget to take a picture of yourself in your new threads when you do, I want a picture of your fine ass in my exclusive gear. I call it, The Cross-Eye Collection, first edition." she said with a look of pride in her eyes, wincing lightly as she got up from her seat.

Gathering the materials for it all had been a pain, but it was all worth it when she had looked upon her latest master piece. There was nothing more satisfying then her fingers working at the needle. Other then killing Grimm that is.

"No, I mean, this is just too much for a guy like me. I just. . .I can't think of anything I could ever do to thank you for this awesome gift. With this, I can actually look the part. And it's all thanks to you." he smiled warmly.

The happy gesture on Jaune's face was so sincere, Coco had to look away, the smallest of red dusting her cheeks.

"Heh, you really are a sweet kid. As much as I hate to say this, the clothes don't make a huntsman or huntress, it's the heart behind the threads that make 'em. And if there's something you got in spades, it's heart, Jaune. Even without my kick ass combat gear, you're still a huntsman." she said softly, patting the blonde's shoulder as she stepped beside him.

"Then I guess I'll be a sharp looking huntsman from here on out!" Jaune said happily as he pumped his fist.

"Bet your ass you'll be!" Coco said with equal energy. A loud growl from her stomach froze her still, causing her to rub her neck in embarrassment as she held her stomach. Right, forgot to grab a bite to eat. Man, was she starving.

Knowing that sound anywhere, Jaune moved his good hand to his back. Good thing he had bought some food before leaving. Nora didn't need four servings, the girl could live with two.

"Here." From his Inventory, Jaune held out a brown paper bag to the confused brunette huntress. The smell of fries immediately hit her senses, only making her stomach growl more.

"Someday, I'll find a way to pay you back in full for your gift. But, for now, how about some burgers and fries to hold you off? I can promise you, they're just as fresh as when they got off the grill. There's even a shake for you."

". . .Is it a Shamrock Shake?"

"It is a Shamrock Shake." Still did not know what the hell Shamrock meant. All he did know was that it was green and had a cool minty taste to it.

Taking the tasty smelling food, Coco couldn't fight the warm smile on her lips. The kid was too kind for his own good. No wonder Velvet had her eye on the guy.

"You know, handing a girl fatty food is not the best way to win her over." She smirked, her eyes shut as Jaune sputtered, "But, for you, I'll make an exception."

Soft lips caressed his cheek, dangerously close to his lips as Coco thanked him in her own special way. He could almost swear he could faintly taste her, the smell of vanilla and coffee hitting him as she pressed her body against him. Her hand fell on his chest, rubbing over the ugly scar.

'A Special Moment has been created! Coco Adel's Affection has been Unlocked!'

Coco grinned widely as she left Jaune in a daze. Give him a few years and she wasn't sure she'd be able to help herself from bagging him for herself. 'I always did like blondes.'

Now that he was alone with himself, Jaune only had one thought in his mind.

"Did she slap my ass?"

"Yup! Man, oh, man, who knew having The Heart of the Gamer would come with such perks! I'm actually a little envious over here."

Goosebumps ran along Jaune's skin as the running fountain water froze completely still. The very world around him had gone still, stuck in a stasis from the Pause brought up by the familiar voice. Turning his head, Jaune found none other then Husk, Merchant and Traveler of The Will. The merchant's brown paper bagged face looked back at him, the smilely face drawn on his face grinning as he sat on the frozen water.

"Husk? What are you doing here?" Jaune scowled, absently moving his only working arm for Crocea Mors.

Husk chuckled at the gesture, "Calm down, Little Player. I ain't here to fight. Trust me," he grinned darkly, the very air pressure around them distorting and threatening to crush Jaune like a fig, "There would be no point in trying."

Releasing the pressure, Jaune was able to breath easy again, "Then why are you here? I'm not going to have to fight some major boss now, am I?" Because he wasn't prepared for that to fall onto him now.

Jumping down to land in front of Jaune, Husk shook his head as he crossed his dirty bandaged arms behind his head, "Nah, I'm just here on The Will's orders. See, its recently found its brain and realized that it had left some things out of your coding. You're at an unfair advantage, which I think is bull considering you're just a greenhorn. So, I'm here to Nerf you a bit. Again."

"Really? But I was just starting to get a handle of my powers." Jaune grumbled. Why couldn't they Nerf Adam? The guy was a monster.

"Too bad. I just do what that thing tells me to do. Now, hold still." Husk said calmly, stretching out his hands in front of Jaune. A mystical like screen of emerald energy stretched from the space of his hands, displaying stats and information only see able to Husk, "This may, or may not, hurt a little."

"Now, let's see; We'll have to add SP to your Skills to keep you from equipping everyone of them, add Level Qualifications to your Abilities like Shatter Armament and Mountain Feller, and only allow you to Discover new Abilities during training. Plus a few other things you'll see-Eh?"

Swiping through the information on Jaune's screen, Husk's drawn face frowned as he got a look at his aura. The hell was that black speck? It looked like it was alive. 'Welp, that doesn't sit well in the old stomach. Better get rid of that little bu-'

"SON OF A BITCH!"

Snapping his finger back, Husk stared at his smoking finger incredulously.

"You okay, Husk?"

Black smoke wavered from Husk's index finger as he held it close to his chest. He blinked, eying the digit, bewildered at what had just happened.

That. . .hurt?

"Yeah, I'm perfectly fine." he answered slowly, shaking his head as he turned back to his job. He went silent as he busied himself with applying the finishing touches to the Core of Jaune's Gamer Soul. With the finishing touches in place, Husk swiped the translucent screen away before snapping his fingers.

Red sparks lit up Jaune's body with the snap, shocking his skin as he withheld a shout of pain. He grit his teeth, falling to his knee's as he glared at the other worldly being through the pain.

"What?" Husk chuckled as he shrugged, "I told you it might hurt."

The sparks soon died away, leaving Jaune panting. Last time he had nerfed him, it hadn't hurt at all. Why was this time so different? Groaning, he got back up, keeping his eye on the grinning bag headed man.

"Was that it? Or are you going to pop out of nowhere again and fix me up for your enjoyment?" he hissed, wincing as he felt his head ring.

Husk threw his arms dramatically, "Hey! I know you might think I'm some kind of asshole for watching you guys fight to the death in a never-ending game, but I'm not a sadist. That's Remnant, the woman is the real monster. Believe it or not, I'm actually rooting for ya. It's about time someone with heart tried to beat this game. Makes it all the more entertaining to watch in my opinion."

"You still haven't answered my question."

"So, I've done what I could. I better head on out and return Will its Admin Keys, it would be pretty pissed if I somehow lost them." Husk ignored Jaune's flat glare as he turned away. Moving his hands up, he was ready to leave with a snap of his fingers before Jaune had stopped him.

"Wait! At least answer me one thing before you go. It's the least you could owe me for the pain."

"Owe you? Pfft! That's a new one, I don't owe you a grain of nothing!" Husk bellowed with laughter, hunching over as he smacked his knee. He sighed, snickering as he got a hold of himself. The boy was still glaring at him, refusing to let up as his blue eyes stared him down. What the hell, he grinned. What could it hurt. "Sure, ask your question. Be warned though, if it's something sensitive, I won't answer it."

That was fine with Jaune. He only had one question after everything he had been through so far.

"What's the point of this Game? Why are you constantly tormenting the other Players with endless Resets whether they win or lose?" he asked in frustration, clenching his fists at the thought of Ren. His best friend, his brother in arms; was The Game responsible for his uncaring attitude? Or was he always like that? And Adam, was The Game responsible for the monster he was?

What was the point? What the hell were these beings hoping to accomplish?

Silence met Jaune's question as Husk stared back at him. The crudely drawn smiley face seemed even creepier as it stopped its expressions.

"I guess that's what you're here to find out." Husk finally answered, his face shifting into a face splitting grin. Not waiting to hear what the blonde boy had to say, the merchant snapped his fingers, his body dispersing into dark colored flames as he chuckled ominously.

The sound of running water met Jaune's ears along with the howling wind as the world was freed from its frozen state. The blonde knight could only sigh as he was only with more questions then answers. Should have known he wouldn't get anything out of the bastard. It was like talking to a jester. Flexing his fingers, he wondered what kind of changes the god like being had done to him. Hopefully nothing too sever to alter his fighting abilities. Pulling out his scroll, he cursed at the time.

"Pyrrha's going to talk my ear off. She really doesn't like it when I stay out too long. I swear, it's like we're married or something." he chuckled amusingly at the thought. Wouldn't be that bad, he supposed. Pyrrha was a real beauty and sweetheart.

Time to go home. A big day awaited him tomorrow. He was going to need all the rest he could get if he was going to change Ren's mind.

---

Abilities, Skills, and Perks List:

Scarlet Drive[10SP]: When the Player's Aura has been shattered, a scarlet aura envelops their body, increasing their Evasion by 75% until they've regenerated their aura, allowing them to perform acrobatic feats to avoid attacks. Can only be activated once a battle.

---

And so, the time has come for Jaune and Ren to finally clash their own ideals. The Greenhorned Knight with high hopes of changing their reality, and the Veteran Lazy Ninja exhausted with the endless Resets. Brothers in arms, fighting to make the other accept their ways. Can they come to an agreement? Or will they only further drive the wedge deeper between them?

Let's hope I can finish Chapter 19 by next Saturday. At least I'm already 3,000+ words in. That's a start. While I work on that, I'll try my hands on that Holiday piece that's been bouncing around my old nogging. If I complete it, expect it Christmas day, as my own little present. But only if you're all good little boys and girls, you hear?

And, to make sure none of you are confused on what canon DLC and what's not, I've come up with a solution. DLC marked as Purchased DLC will be considered Canon. If it doesn't have the label, it's not relevant to the plot, it's just for fun. Hope that fixes any confusion you all may have.

Now, I got some time on me before I get back to work. Know any good anime I could watch on CrunchyRoll? I need something to hold me over till next week's RWBY.

Read and Review! It's common courtesy.

NeoShadows fading in and out.