Welcome to Ch 39 of TPA

Jaune took a deep breath, held it for a moment, and slowly let it go. This was it. After all this time of constant training, and researching different methods of Aura manipulation, today he would finally succeed. His friends, especially Ruby and Weiss, helped him a lot, and now he would show them what he'd learned!

Jaune closed his eyes, and focused on his Aura, activating his Semblance at the same time. He took control of the power flowing through his body, shaping it, directing, giving it purpose, turning wild current into precise tool.

His first idea to make himself faster was to, well, run faster. But Weiss and Ruby knocked that idea out of his head pretty quickly. It just wasn't possible to move your legs quickly enough to reach the speeds most Hunters fought at.

Most people solved that problem by jumping short distances. Sure, that meant it was hard to change the direction you were moving after you started, but there were ways to work around it. For example - using recoil from high caliber weapons, ropes, or, if someone was particularly lucky, specialized Semblances.

Jaune had none of that, so he had to improvise. Oh, he tried it, but it didn't go well. Maybe it was because he was too heavy, or was too used to having both feet on the ground, or maybe because of his motion sickness, but Jaune simply couldn't handle it. Oh, he could jump, even pretty high if he wanted to. But rapid movement using that method? It simply didn't work for him.

It took him awhile, but he eventually found his own method. And his inspiration come from certain white haired Heiress. He watched as he old friend used her Glyphs to move around, and the idea struck him. It was so simple, he wondered why he hadn't thought of it before.

He poured his Aura into his feet, pushing it out, coating his soles in a thin sheet of his power. Soon, his feet were glowing a soft white. As did the ground in a meter radius around him. A small smile appeared on his lips. Jaune never thought of himself as a particularly talented guy. What he achieved, he achieved by hard work alone - and by improvising. If he couldn't do something, he would look for a way around. Even his Semblance reflected this. It wasn't as flashy or strong as Ruby's or Pyrrha's, but it was flexible. It didn't give him any decisive advantage, it wasn't any sort of trump card, but even though it wouldn't make him the fastest, strongest, or most durable, it could let him take third place in every category.

Well, I have power and durability covered, time to add speed to the mix.

His grin widened. He took a moment to make sure the flow of his Aura was steady, then his eyes snapped open, and he moved.

With running and jumping out of question, Jaune settled for different method of movement. It took some practice, a lot in fact, but he eventually figured out how to use Aura to reduce the friction between his feet and the surface he was standing on. This let him slide on any terrain as if he were standing on polished ice.

He took three steps to build up speed, and then activate this new technique.

The world blurred around him, wind whipped his hair behind him, and a maniacal grin appeared on his face. He did it! He was moving fast! Way faster than he ever dreamed possible. Did he match Weiss' speed? Maybe even Ruby's? It didn't matter, what mattered was that…

And then a sudden thought struck him.

Wait, how do I stop?

A random tree was happy to provide him an answer.

"Are you ok?" Asked Ruby, poking her friend with one finger. The only response she got from the blond boy was a muffled groan.

"Well, he hit that tree pretty hard. And head first at that." Yang pointed out, looking at the sizable trunk carefully. "I'm honestly surprised it's still intact. It must be pretty sturdy."

"Are you talking about the tree or his head?" Blake asked with a smirk. Yang considered her answer for a moment, then grinned.

"Both."

Another pained groan sounded from the blond boy.

"Shouldn't we take him to infirmary or something?"

Weiss shook her head.

"No need, Ruby. He's tough guy." She not so gently kicked the downed boy. "Now, stop being dramatic, it couldn't have hurt that bad. "

Jaune groaned again, and pushed himself up, massaging his forehead.

"It still hurt." He complained.

"Oh, don't be such a baby." The heiress huffed. "Look on the bright side - it worked! Still needs a lot of work, but at least it's something."

"I guess." Jaune sighed again, and shook his head. "Ok, what do we have planned for today?"

"Teamwork training. The Vytal festival is just two months away, we need to prepare."

"Do we though? I mean, we are first years, will we even be allowed to participate?" Asked Jaune.

"Of course. Participations are chosen based on their overall performance, so the good first year teams can get in. Plus," Weiss smirked, "you have Pyrrha Nikos in your team. You basically have no choice put to participe."

"Good point." Jaune grinned at his partner. "Well then, let's get this training started. We have butts to kick, and prizes to claim."

Ozpin stared at the bluish screen, somehow hoping that he could change what it displayed with sheer force of will. Unfortunately, life wasn't so easy.

He let out a tired sigh, and took a sip from his mug.

"Things are bad, Oz."

The old wizard looked at Qrow, who in turn was staring through the window at the seemingly peaceful city.

"I know."

"We still don't know who is pulling the strings behind the White Fang and Torchwick, but I would bet my liver that it's the same bitch that attacked Amber."

Ozpin hummed, but didn't comment. Even though the information they had was sparse, even after such a long investigation, what little they had learned was worrying. Very much so. Most of the criminals they captured - be it White Fang, or Torchwick's goons - were unusually tight lipped. The only thing they managed to learn for sure was that there was in fact someone behind the recent spike in criminal activity, and whoever it was was powerful. Powerful enough to intimidate both White fang and Torchwick into working together.

They couldn't get any specific info about this mysterious person, besides the fact she could control fire. Not very specific, and it could be just a coincidence.

"I think we are in agreement on that one, my friend." Ozpin said with a sigh. Now, how should he proceed? He already had several trusted individuals working on this case, but it wasn't enough. They knew the White Fang planned to attack the Vytal Festival, but they had no idea in what manner.

Ozpin hummed, and not for first time considered canceling the whole event. He yet again discarded the idea. Even if Vale's council would agreed to it - and he doubted that - Salem's minions would just find another target. At least now they knew when to expect it.

"I think we should ask Ironwood for help."

Opsin almost spilled his coffee. He looked up at his longtime friend, wondering if he heard right, or maybe Qrow drank too much and was in delirium.

Or maybe he'd been captured and brainwashed by Salem on one of his missions?

"Don't stare at me like that, Oz. I don't like the idea either, but I like what I saw down there even less." He said, nodding towards the city.

"Those guys… not only the White Fang,but some of the humans too… they did something to them. They don't have Aura or anything, but they are fast, strong, and fearless. Guys would literally impale themselves on your sword, just to give another an opening." Qrow shook his head. "We still have no idea where their main laboratory is, or what exactly they are planning, but if half… no, a third of as many men as we think they have get 'augmented' like that, we will be neck deep in shit when they hit us."

Qrow sighed, and turned towards Ozpin.

"And that's not even counting this whole Master business. I wouldn't be surprised if they planned to pull off another Spring Valley, if only to spread our forces. I don't like Ironwood's methods any more than you do, but I'm afraid we can't afford to be subtle anymore."

Ozpin leaned back, considering his options. James had been insisting on bringing some of his forces as added security for some time now. So far he had refused, believing that the presence of an army might have a negative effect on the civilians' morale, but considering what Qrow and Leon learned, it seemed he would have to accept his friend's offer.

Ozpin let out a long, tired sigh, massaging his forehead.

"I'll think it over. You get some rest, maybe spend some time with your nieces. Tell Leon… where is he anyway?"

"Last time I saw him, he was going to kick his old student's ass."

Ozpin smiled.

"I believe you meant he wanted to spar with him?"

Qrow took a swing from his flask and shrugged.

"That's what I said."

"I see. Do you think he is sharing the results of our investigation with Mr. Arc?"

Qrow considered the answer for a moment, then nodded.

"Almost certainly. The kid's in his 'pack,' after all. You want me to keep an eye on them, to make sure they don't do anything stupid?"

"No, I don't think that will be necessary." Ozpin leaned back in his chair, staring at ceiling for a few moments. "You can leave. Go meet with Ruby and Yang. They will be thrilled, and you certainly could use some rest."

Qrow chuckled and shook his head.

"Like you are one to talk." He strode towards elevator doors, pausing in front of them for a moment. "See ya later Oz. Don't overwork yourself."

Ozpin chuckled and waved him off. He would love to take a break, but there was still so much work to do.

"Go, Pyrrha! You can do it!"

The red haired champion barely registered her friends' cheering, her attentions focused solely on her opponent. She'd learned quite fast that getting distracted even for split of a second could end badly.

She ducked under a swing, took another on shield, and had to resist the urge to throw a counter at far too obvious opening. Well, far too obvious for Leon. If this was any other opponent, she would have taken it without hesitation, but Jaune's teacher was even better at baiting and countering than her team leader.

Which made sense, since it was him who taught her partner how to fight. And it showed in more ways than one.

Leon was different than just about any other Hunter she'd fought against. He wasn't the fastest, strongest, or most mobile, but he was… steady. Unlike most Hunters, who preferred to crush their opponent in one devastating assault, Leon was picking her apart slowly. He spent a few moments getting the feel of her, then started increasing the tempo of fight, up until the point where she just barely could keep up. It was a similar tactic to what Jaune used, but Leon's was far more refined.

She winced when the pommel of his sword caught her on the forehead. Fighting past pain and dizziness, she rolled to the side, narrowly avoiding the follow up slash.

Yes, Leon's fighting style was far more refined. At first, she expected him to be very defensive fighter, like Jaune - they even had similar looking armors - but she was quickly proven wrong. Leon could go from very defensive, to almost suicidally offensive, in split of a second.

She grinned when she managed to deflect his attack and score hit on his shoulder. It grew even wider when he instantly counterattacked, scoring solid hit on her stomach.

When was last time someone pushed her so far? When was the last time when she was the one who had to give her all just to keep up? When she desperately tried to find any opening? She vaguely remembered this feeling of desperation form when she was just starting her career, but that was so long ago, it felt like it was different life.

But now, this feeling came back. Mostly because Leon never appeared to be out of her reach. Sure, he was fast and strong, but it was always at a level where she thought she could match it if she only pushed herself a little further.

It took her almost two minutes to realize he was doing it on purpose. By dangling hope for victory just before her eyes, he easily provoked her to fight far more aggressively than she would normal do against a more experienced opponent.

Their duel ended abruptly. She deflected his thrust, and countered with her own. Leon, didn't try to parry it, he just twisted his torso, letting her blade slid harmlessly by his armor. His hand landed on back of her head, and next thing she knew, her face was shoved firmly into the ground.

"I yield." She mumbled.

"You are good." Leon complimented, helping her stand up.

She smiled.

"Thank you."

He smirked.

"For the compliment, or kicking your ass?"

Pyrrha chuckled.

"Both, I guess. I know it might sound strange but…" she shrugged, not certain how to describe what she felt. She was genuinely happy that she lost. She realized that she probably should feel frustrated, or angry, but there was none of it.

Well, that wasn't exactly true. There was some frustration, especially when she realized her opponent wasn't even tired after she gave it her all. But at the same time, she couldn't deny the excitement she felt at this moment.

"You're happy that you still haven't reached your limit?" The older man offered.

She smiled and nodded.

"Yes, I guess that's right." Her eyes narrowed. "I'm totally kicking your ass one day." She announced proudly.

Leon barked a laugh.

"You are welcome to try, kiddo." He paused, and considered her for a moment. "You wanna piece of advice?"

"Of course."

"You don't have to accept every challenge. Learn to back off sometime."

Pyrrha blinked, surprised. It was not the kind of advice she expected. She made to ask what he meant, but he already walked away, and moments later she was swarmed by her friends.

She shook her head, allowing Ruby and Nora to drag her off to celebrate her 'definitely-almost-beating-pro-Hunter". She would think about it later, for now, she would just enjoy some free time together with her friends.

"You leaving already?" Asked Jaune.

Leon shrugged.

"Yeah. Got a call from one of my contacts. Need to meet with the guy, might be something important."

Jaune smiled and held out his fist.

"Well, then I won't be keeping you. Stay safe, stay sharp, old man. "

Leon grinned, and bumped his student's fist with his own.

"You too, kiddo. See ya later."

Jaune watched as his mentor boarded the bullhead to Vale, and with a sigh turned around and left Beacon's air docks. There was no need for him to stand there and see Leon off - it wasn't like his friend was going to some gods-forsaken place…

Well, he was, considering the whole of Remnant was forsaken by the gods, but at least he wasn't going far away. They will probably see each other soon enough. For now, he had a party to attend.

He smiled to himself. Getting Leon to spar with Pyrrha proved to be good idea after all. He knew she was good, but that didn't meant she couldn't improve. But he noticed that Pyrrha spent far more time helping others train, rather than actual training herself. Sure, she was keeping her form, but as Leon used to say - if you don't move forward, you are going to be left behind.

At first he worried it might be because his partner's desire to be just part of the group, not an untouchable champion, but he soon realized it was not the case. Pyrrha simply lacked perspective. She hadn't lost a match in a long time, even when faced with multiple opponents. It was hard to motivate yourself to push to new heights, when you were at level when you crushed every opponent easily.

So, as good friend and leader that he was, Jaune asked his teacher to thoroughly kick his partner's ass.

And sure enough, Pyrrha had this determined look on her face ever since her loss.

Jaune started walking towards Beacon's dorms, humming some melody. Things were looking good. Maybe this whole mess with the White Fang would blow over? With Leon's help of course.

It sure would be nice.

"We have a problem." Was what Ozpin heard as soon as he accepted the call from some unknown number. Honestly, the only reason he did was because he was too tired to wonder who might call, and it was so late that it almost certainly was something important.

"Yes, I'm aware. If…" he began, but was interrupted by the person on the other end of call.

"No, you're not. We are neck deep in the shit, and it's going to get worse. A lot worse." Ozpin tensed. In his long years fighting against Salem, he developed a certain… resistance to grim news. But each time he thought he was past the point of something can truly frightening him, he always discovered something that proved him wrong.

Like now.

Leon was a very calm man. No matter the situation, no matter how grim it was, he always had this devil-may-care attitude.

But now, he was clearly panicking.

"What happened?"

"I got a lead on another of the Fang's facilities. This one was important, so me, Qrow and few other guys teamed up and bust it open. Oz, this is really bad. Those fuckers recreated recipes for the shit that was used in Spring Valley, and they started to mass produce it."

Ozpin tensed. This was certainly bad news. From the reports he received, only about three liters of the substance was enough to kill off everyone in Spring Valley. If they had more…

"How much did they manage to produce?"

The answer he received was three photos. One was a map of Vale and the surrounding areas, with multiple villages marked with red circles. Ozpin immediately recognized a few of them. Farms, mining centers, popular tourists spots. All of them either important for Vale's economy, or heavily populated. The anxiety he felt earlier turned into fear.

The second one showed a truck, with the logo of some company producing water filters and cleaning agents.

It was half loaded with metal canisters. A metal rack with few more canisters stood next to it. They were sealed, but Ozpin didn't need to ask to know what was inside.

The third photo showed a long hall. He could see the same truck from the previous photo at the edge, and rows upon rows of similar metal racks. There had to be a few hundred of them.

And all of them were empty.

Ozpin just stared at it for a few moments, then let out a long, shuddering breath. He thanked Leon for his report, and ended the call. He took a moment to collect his thoughts, then made a call of his own.

"James, how fast can you bring your forces to Vale?" He asked after greetings. There were a few moments of silence before the General gave his answer.

"I see. Yes, bring as many as you can." He listened to his friend for a few moments, before quickly summarizing what he learned from Leon, and ending the call.

Ozpin ran a hand down his face, and spent a few moments just staring at the ceiling.

He hoped they still had a bit more time, but apparently Salem's minions got bored of waiting. Was this change of plans because of their investigations? Or maybe they never planned to attack festival at all, maybe it was fake info meant to draw their attentions away from the real danger?

Not that it mattered now. The first blow was struck. Now all they could do was to try and minimize their losses.

And here it is. Bad guys struck way earlier than in show, and for good reason. The way I see it, Cinder never really cared about attacking the Vytal festival. It was more of a gift for the White Fang, a chance for them to hit a high profile target. For Cinder though, it was just a distraction, a way to draw away Ozpin's forces, allowing her to more easily sneak in and take the Maiden's powers.

Here, things changed because of Master. With his Harrowed-creating serum, she didn't need to wait for the festival to create enough chaos. Especially when she knows that her enemies caught wind of her plans.

On another note - TPA is coming to an end. I expect there to be three more chapters, plus an epilogue. Maybe more, maybe less, but it will definitely end soon.

If you like what I write, and have a buck or two to spare please consider supporting me at 'Pat' 'reon'.

See you all next week.