Hello all! I'm not sure when this'll come out, but I'm gonna try and be better about writing consistently. So, I figured that I'm just going to leave Initiation the same. For the most part, this world seems identical, the only major difference's being the early introductions and Jaune's heritage. So, I'll explain a few of the changes, but unless stated otherwise, Initiation went off without a hitch.

The More Things Change…

"You seem awfully chipper."

Jaune chuckled under his breath at his old friend's words. As much as Jaune could, he figured he'd stick to the patterns he established in his previous life. So, after everyone had gotten breakfast, he had bid a fond adieu to everyone and walked toward the locker room. Weiss had offered to go with him, despite her apparent wariness of him, and for that he was happy.

"Well, I finally get to show off my skills and earn my way into Beacon. Why wouldn't I be happy?" This time, I make it because I am strong enough. No more helpless little Jaune.

"Hmm, I suppose that is true. I expect you'll have a bit of an advantage."

"Oh? What makes you say that?"

Jaune had done well in keeping most of the differences in mind, but he kept forgetting that his presence unnerved Weiss.

"Oh! Um, well, you see I… Well, I was just… What I mean to say is that…"

"That I can see, hear, and smell better than you?"

Weiss blushed and nodded, refusing to meet his eyes. He couldn't help it, she looked so innocent and he was just happy to have her back. Jaune laughed.

"Weiss, I don't really mind comments like that. I know what I am, I know what advantages I can use, and I know what trials await me." He paused as he looked at her. "And I know what your family has done."

Weiss had stopped walking, posture stiffening as Jaune continued speaking.

"Weiss, there's no lost love between my kind and your company. But I also know what my kind have done. The White Fang were meant to be an olive branch, ones who bridged the gap. They have strayed, painfully far. Neither side is innocent in this Weiss, but there are innocents in the war." Jaune closed the distance and laid a gentle hand on her shoulder.

"You, are one of them. The Sins of the Father are not yours to bear, and I will not judge you for them." Weiss gave him a small smile, one that he knew hid tears, and they continued on their way.

"Jaune Arc, meet Pyrrha Nikos. I'm sure you've heard of her." Jaune's mental process ground to a painful, soul crushing, heart wrenching stop.

Pyrrha… You're alive. I can see you. Oum, you have no idea how much I want to grab you and never let go. Please, whoever sent me here. Let me have her, at least let her be near me.

"Sorry, I don't think I have. It's very good to meet you Miss Nikos." Jaune bowed slightly as he shook her hand. Ten. Ten Monty forsaken years since I've seen you. Please be the Pyrrha I knew.

"Oh, it is perfectly fine Mister Arc. I can't very well expect everyone to have heard of some fighter, especially one so young." Good. She's still against being the center of attention, that's the same.

"Please, call me Jaune. So, you are a fighter? Tournaments, I assume?" If I'm right, Weiss shou-

"Pyrrha graduated top of her class at Sanctum, and won the Mistral Tournament four years in a row. A new world record." Yep, there it is.

Pyrrha looked exactly the same as Jaune remembered, right down to the awkward little smile she gave after Weiss' introduction. Well, time to test the theory. Will she react the same as last time?

"Huh, well, that sounds pretty cool. I guess?"

"You… guess? Pretty cool?"

There's that smile. A bit more genuine, and a bit warmer.

"Weiss, we all made it here. So, we've all got strength, even if it is of a different type. Now, I'm sure Pyrrha here is incredibly strong, but that isn't what I'm curious about." Jaune turned to his former partner, a warm smile on his face. "What I'd like to know, is who Pyrrha is. Not Miss Nikos the Grand Champion. No, I'm far more interested in Pyrrha the Huntress. Why does she fight, what are her thoughts on certain situations, and most importantly-"

Jaune squared himself up to Pyrrha, once again extending his hand.

"Would she be so kind as to offer a poor wanderer her hand in friendship?"

Pyrrha giggled at his theatrical display, her eyes shimmering with interest at his strange countenance. She reached out and took his hand, frame still shaking with amusement.

"She would be delighted to, Mr. Wanderer."

Jaune couldn't remember the last time he smiled so much.


"Remember, do not hesitate to kill anything in your way."

So far, it seems the same. Blake's on my right, so that's different but to be expected. Ruby is on my left with Yang to her left. I see Pyrrha further down, oops, now she's waving. Jaune smiled and returned the motion, reaching down to fluff Ruby's hair when she glanced up at him. Let's see, Ren and Nora are right next to Weiss. Haven't actually met with them yet, so I'd be real keen on meeting up with them.

"Good!" Wait, last time that happened, I got thrown into the air without being ready. Wait! If I'm actually ready, will Pyrrha still try and meet up with me?

*Thunk*

Uh-oh. Wasn't paying attention. Am not ready.

"Oh craaaaaaaaaaaaa-"


Well, all things considered, Jaune could've done worse. While Pyrrha didn't pin him to a tree, they did become partners. Pyrrha was evidently worried when she heard him yell, but saw that he had a plan to land safely. They soon met up with Blake and Yang, Jaune silently rejoicing that the two had become partners. From there on in, everything was pretty much the same, with the notable exception of Jaune being much more useful in combat. Well, that, and the sharp increase in Grimm. Last time, the Deathstalker, Tajitu, and Nevermore were the only major enemies they faced. This time it wasn't just one Deathstalker but a nest, two Nevermores, and the Tajitu Ren killed apparently had a friend who followed him over to the temple.

Which led to them standing in the auditorium, all of them completely exhausted, battered, and in desperate need of baths. Ruby and Pyrrha had both fallen asleep while the other teams were assigned, Ruby having somehow convinced Jaune to carry her on his back. Pyrrha's head had merely rolled onto Jaune's shoulder at some point, and Jaune had wrapped an arm around her to keep her upright.

"Hey, wake up you two. Ruby, you guys are next." The two redheads slowly shook awake, Ruby having drooled on Jaune's tunic.

"Oh, hey, Jaune. Is it time for dinner yet?" Jaune smiled and gently set her down, ushering her to stand with her team.

Everything went the same as last time, except Ozpin didn't comment on Jaune being the team leader. This time, he stared at Jaune, gaped in surprise for a flash, then resorted back to a small, understanding smile.

That'll be trouble, for sure.


Jaune couldn't help how excited he was. He knew deep down that something bad was coming, maybe not the Fall exactly, but something like it. Otherwise, he wouldn't have been sent here. But even so, he was back home.

Finally.

"Alright JNPR, welcome to our new home!" Just like last time, Nora ran forward and began jumping on her bed, choosing the one furthest from the door. Ren followed her in, setting his small pack on the bed next to Nora's. Pyrrha seemed a little hesitant, though Jaune was sure she probably was last time too. The old, or was it young, Jaune was probably too nervous to pay attention. This Jaune though, Pyrrha had his undivided attention. Jaune threw his bag onto the last bed once Pyrrha chose hers, then clapped loudly.

"Alrighty everyone, how about we get a little better acquainted?" Ren calmly sat on his bed as Nora bounced around him.

"How do you mean?"

Jaune smiled and sat himself next to Pyrrha on her bed, taking care not to be too close.

"Well, let's start simple, right? My name is Jaune Arc, I'm originally from Menagerie, I'm a close-range fighter with high aura capacity, and as of a few hours ago, Leader of Team JNPR."

Jaune held his breath as Ren and Nora looked at him, praying they would be the same too. After all, they hadn't had the chance to really talk yet.

"Okay! I'll go next! Hiya, I'm Nora Valkyrie! Me and Ren are from a little village near Mistral. I use a hammer and grenade launcher combo called Magnihild, and I'm really strong!" Jaune returned the energetic ginger's smile, nodding his thanks for her stepping up.

"I suppose I can go next. Hello, I'm Pyrrha Nikos. I'm from Mistral and I'm a tournament fighter. My weapon is called Milo and is a combination of a rifle, shortsword, and a spear. I also use a shield called Akuou. I'm glad to be a part of our team." Pyrrha began fidgeting with the sash around her waist toward the end. Jaune patted her on the shoulder and smiled as Ren stood.

"My name is Lie Ren, as Nora said, I am also from a small village near Mistral. I am a martial artist though I incorporate fully automatic pistols in my fighting. I am a mid to short range fighter, and I am also trained in medicine, so I can function as a medic in the field."

Jaune stood and stretched once Ren had finished, a smile still plastered to his face.

"Well, then that's that! I'm sure we'll figure out more about each other as time goes on, and I'm excited to see how we do. For right now, let's get cleaned up and grab some sleep. I'll make sure to wake you guys up early enough that we can unpack tomorrow, sound good?"

Nods all around so Jaune and Ren let the girls get into the bathroom first. Jaune couldn't help but feel like he was cheating a little. Things were never this smooth. I mean, this isn't necessarily wrong is it? To survive you use any and all information you have, the wilds taught me that. But, does this count? This isn't survival or war, these are my friends. Ach, too much thinking right now. It's been a long day.

Once everyone was ready, Jaune lied down in his bed, hoping sleep would come easily tonight.

It didn't.

The wolf sighed as he stood, moving with unnatural silence toward the door. He had made it halfway to the stairs when he realized he was being followed. Jaune pretended not to notice, making his way to the roof. Once there, he waited for the door to admit his 'guest.'

"Hey pup, it's bed time you know." Huh, coulda sworn…

"Yeah, I know, Yang. Just couldn't get to sleep." His fellow blonde stood next to him, throwing an arm around his shoulder. They quietly looked out over Beacon. Yang was in silent marvel of this next step in her life as a Huntress. Jaune's thoughts were a bit more… chaotic.

How long can it last? Has Cinder already begun? Is Roman still working for her? What about Adam? He was still crazy last time I saw him, but that may just be Adam. No, he isn't smart enough to pull all of this off alone. We caught him the second Salem cut him loose. No, we didn't. We caught the old Adam. He may be different. What about the others? Mercury, Emerald, Neo, the Malachites. They may be the same, they may be worse. What if they're just civilians? What if they're allies? Can I dismiss almost a decade of rage and suffering at their hands?

"Hey, whatcha thinking about?" I need to stop doing this. They'll notice if I'm too distant every time I get a chance to think. Here and now Jaune, it's all that matters.

"Just… I don't know, everything, I guess? Seems like the past few years have just kinda been crazy." Yang's arm pulled him a little tighter, Jaune's own reflexively going around her waist.

"Yeah, I guess it has. But, it wasn't too bad, right?" Jaune knew the tone she was using, so he bumped her head with his own, giving a soft smile.

"I wouldn't trade it for anything Yang. You know that." Yang mimicked his smile, yawning a little. "Come on, Sunshine. Time for bed." Wolf-like ears twitched as they caught a rustle to his left. "Go on ahead Yang. I'll be right behind you, promise."

Yang gave him a look that made sure he would at least try to get some sleep. Once he was sure Yang was back downstairs and out of earshot, Jaune extended all of his sense, making extra sure no one was listening to the rooftop. Not this time Cardin.

"You know, you used to be a lot better at sneaking up on me." Blake's form seemed to materialism from the shadows, her eyes actively seeking anything but Jaune's own. Jaune squared himself up to her, closing the distance between them.

"Jaune… I- I didn't- I wasn't-" Blake's stuttering was forcibly stopped as Jaune's fist flew toward her head.


I know, I know. I'm a prick for leaving it there. I actually do kinda feel bad, since I hate cliffhangers, but this lets me put out something for this story and still make progress on some other stuff. Let me know what you guys think. Also, I'm only partially back. I'll try and put stuff out every once in a while, but don't expect every week or anything. Schedule is just too fluid right now to promise anything, sorry y'all.

Thanks for reading,

Arebus.