The Black Knight

by Writer with bad Grammar T-T

White Knight. That was what mostly Jaune called. In multiple universe where he weak or strong, he always called that, a White Knight. One that have chivalrous and doing noble deed. But in here, he not. He is the opposite. He is Black Knight. OOC,Gray-a bit dark-,StrongJaune! BadGrammar! Minor Bleach Element and few others!

6. Forever Fall

Chapter 5. Forever Fall

---

"New species of Grimm?" Jaune asked eyebrow furrowed

"Yes... It existence still not confirmed, but there sign of it." Ozpin nodded, eyes staring intently to Jaune "Whenever this Grimm around, a large horde is always with it. We don't know how since there no survivors save for droid data that we achieve, but one thing is sure, the assault is... Planned, albeit it crude but it still one."

"And we all knew a Grimm that able to form plan at least must be old one, a major level..." Jaune added solemnly, knowing that Grimm actually has no consciousness. But Instinct is something that they possess, followed by experience.

"Normally yes, but this one is not..." Ozpin grimly responded "Tell me Jaune, what your opinion about the video I sent to you?"

Jaune fell to silent. This 02:00 AM, he has been awakened by his Scroll, one that he give special ringtone if Ozpin contact him. After that he watch the video he get

It was ambush from the Grimm...

It not well planned actually, but it was a direct attack, surrounded by every corner as stealthy as possible and caught them. Whenever they run, Grimm will be there waiting for them, their coming organized, rude and have many hole but it still exist it still there...

But what make him confused is how the Grimm suddenly gather around the ambushed group? There theory that Grimm attracted to negative emotions but the group pretty lively and cheerful, they also not making any noise to attract them

It as if the Grimm knew they there and surround them... But it impossible, he can understand if the group spot a Grimm and said the Grimm is Alpha and went bat-shit to them, attracting horde of the monster

But it not... They just talking like usual, doing their own activity before suddenly the Grimm surround them like pack of bears find honey source! And one more thing that make it very suspicious...

There a very loud strange voice that almost like choked squeal and whimper from behind them, and when they turned to see there nothing in there...

And less than three minutes a horde come to them...

Alarm... That was what Jaune conclude when he see that. That voice... Whatever it is, it clearly alert the pack of the Grimm to them. But there no sign of strange things, no Grimm sighted, not even Nevermore flying! It was normal one! Filled with animals, birds, squirrels, skunk, and ape or such common animal you find in forest! And yet...

Only one thing is possible...

"An Invisible Grimm?" Jaune muttered aloud, small dread in his voice

"The worst case." Ozpin admitted, his eyes gleam with solemnity, he then give another data to Jaune, making the man take it "We call them Screecher. This kind of Grimm actually has we encounter in past, but it live outside Kingdom. And truthfully no one has spot it this far because it always calling for Grimm before we able to search for it."

That... Certainly troublesome. A Grimm that alert another Grimm but until now it appearance is never known. And they actually live outside of Kingdom in first place... What make them come here? True there no reason for Grimm to slay Human and Faunus because it already the reason why they exist after all but most of them stay outside of Kingdom now because they knew they outmatched when fighting inside.

There many question why this Screecher Grimm finally enter the Kingdom but... That should be talked later, for now he have another things to do

"The worse, this Screecher actually invisible to naked eyes. But there maybe a case it simply a Grimm that can see from far, Grimm that stealthy and hiding or things like that. We can't assume it it invisible, but worst case it is." Ozpin informed to his subordinate

"And what you want me to do with it, Sir?" Jaune asked to the point "Today I have to go to Forever Fall with my and RWBY team. Surely you won't retract me from our job? That would make people suspicious and-" He cut himself when notice Ozpin giving him look, and then his face turned to dull "It in there isn't it?" He asked rhetorically

"Possibly." Ozpin nodded "There report about increasing numbers of Grimm around Forever fall. It small yes, but it still dangerous."

Jaune staring at him. He staring, staring and staring before he close his eyes. Then, he walk to the nearby wall, cocked his head back before smash it to the wall, creating crater in there

Ozpin merely blinked "What are you doing?"

"Punishing myself for jinx myself."

"Ah..." Ozpin smiled in pure amusement, he rise his mug and take sip of it "You must be tempting Fate yesterday." He allow his smile turned to smirk "You never learn about that, do you?"

Jaune returned to him, despite there new massive hole in wall but there no sign of him being hurt at all, even his cloth still clean, not a single speck of dust or dirt exist taint it. He only look blankly to his Master, even idiot can tell he not amused unlike his boss

"Back to the topic." Ozpin eyes that gleaming with mirth gone, replaced by his usual unreadable look "As you all can see, there chance this Grimm actually not new one, it could be old one that live outside kingdom and decide to infiltrate us. And with chance of this Grimm is invisible to normal eyes, I send you just in case, along with RWBY and your team. I sure you know why right?"

There no need explanation... Jaune himself understand why. It was obvious that JNPR and RWBY is the strongest among the First Year, as matter of fact, they even better than Second Year or Third in few case. They all have potential, their raw strength enough to consider them to be Hunter already and all they lack is only experience

Ozpin can't send Jaune alone, no, it will caught suspicion of students. Jaune himself already know that he become quite topic among First Year, he, his team and RWBY precisely. It was safe to say they are the most known team, with Ruby and Pyrrha as main attention at first, but when Jaune and Yang power come to display, it needless to say that their team declared as the best among their peers

Pyrrha, Jaune will consider her as Huntress mature already. One that perhaps can give Glynda Goodwitch a challenge albeit only small, and seeing how powerful the Witch is, it mean Pyrrha level truly something. She have the strength and the skill, all she lack is experience, that's it. Jaune won't be surprise if she considered as one of candidate for Fall Maiden power

Then again, there Ruby Rose. Said what you want about her childish behavior, but she undoubtedly good, very good. And she actually two years younger than all students in Beacon. If only she can set aside her... Naïve behavior and view, she will be perfect Huntress

Anyway, back to the track. Like he said, his team already get so many attention, that was good things, but in his and RWBY team, he is the most one who get attention, along with Ruby. A perk of being leader, something that he found quite annoyance

He already gone out too many times and never once the teacher try to 'reprimand' him openly, if he go alone now then it will pull too much attention. He already mystery in their eyes and there not need to add another fire to fuel

Ozpin knew this, that's why he send JNPR and RWBY together, they maybe only First Year but together they were good. And there Glynda plus Jaune as well, it safe to say that the chance they will return without anyone death is 75%

A quite big percentage actually if Ozpin compared to other groups that possibly he would send

But still... One need to be perfectly careful.

"If things get worse Jaune, go all out." Ozpin said, broking the boy from his stupor "Protect all of them is your priority. Especially Ruby Rose."

"I will Sir." Jaune nodded firmly, he maybe doesn't know why his Master quite protective toward the red haired youngest girl but it doesn't matter. It not his place to ask after all "Is that all?"

"Yes, you dismissed." Ozpin grunted

The boy immediately leave without another word. Ozpin watching Jaune leave impassively before he rise his mug and about to take a sip, but then his eyes fell to his Scroll and notice there one unread message

He open it, then his eyes narrowed before a small smile crept to his face when he read the message

I'm coming to Beacon in next two days. I want to see how Big Brother doing, please don't tell him I want it to be surprise

Jenny Arc

"Well, well..." Ozpin chuckled "It seems things will get interesting."

---

Next day

Red...

As far their eyes can see, red is the only things that cover their sight. And unlike red blood or red that filled with horror, but it mixture of orange, some light-red, some almost close to pink, and even the grass they stand now is red as well

It was beautiful sight in their eyes

"I had see it through TV and Magazine but..." Pyrrha voice filled with awe as she staring at her surrounding

"It beautiful..." Ruby spoke softly, her silver eyes roaming through most part of the forest

The rest of the group agreed with the duo red hair, the only word that best to describe this forest is 'beautiful', the sun that gleaming brightly to it, the sound of wind that gently breeze the branches and leaves, and followed by chirping and squeak of animals, this place clearly something to behold

"Yes, students, the forest of Forever Fall is indeed beautiful." Glynda said, gaining their attention and broke them from their stupor "But we are not here to sight-see. Professor Peach has asked all of you to collect samples from the trees deep inside this forest, and I'm here to make sure none of you die while doing so." She give look to them that said she mean it, and the message is clear, if they dead, the Witch somehow will bring them back and kick their ass! "Do be careful, despite Forever fall is one of the place that considered still open, but one can't enter without company of Hunter. There Grimm in this place, and lately the numbers increased so stick together and don't go alone. If something happen, regroup to here and call me immediately using your Scroll, understood?"

""""Yes Miss!""""

The whole team chorused and Glynda give satisfied nod and grunt to them, her hand shifting left side of her glasses and she staring at Jaune. Their eyes meet for moment and there silent message relayed to each other

"Each of you is to gather one jar's worth of red sap. We will rendezvous back here by 4 o'clock. Have fun!"

As Glynda leaving, Jaune and Ruby turned to their team, the pale blond haired man the one who speak first "Well, the instruction is clear and simple so. Let get going." He then turned to Ruby "Should we go together then?"

"Ummm, yeah sure!" Ruby grinned, there something strange in her voice which make Jaune blinked. The man briefly observe her and notice the red hooded girl carrying small backpack under her cape

Behind them, Yang lip curled to small smirk. She knew why Ruby behave quite awkward around Jaune. It not crush mind you -that's why she found it amusing-, but her little sister now want to give something to Jaune to cheer him up after the man yesterday seems in bad mood, albeit he look fine now. Unfortunately for her -and fortunately for Yang- the petite red haired girl too shy to give it openly, Ruby has planned to give it this morning actually but Pyrrha was there and the smaller girl found herself nervous suddenly to give her present

"Isn't it will be more effective to spread?" Weiss asked

"True, and had Forever Fall still same I would suggest to spread into two our own team, however like Professor Goodwitch said, recently there small increase in Grimm number around here." Jaune answered simply "It best to stick together, this is unknown situation after all."

"I'm agree as well, sticking together will be more wise and safe with current situation." Pyrrha added, supporting her Leader opinion

"Jaune right." Blake grunted "Beside, we have 5 hours before 4:00 PM. Plenty enough time for gathering the sap."

"If you all say so." Weiss nodded, accepting the order, she doesn't have any problem in first place, just simply asking

"Then! What we waiting for?!" Nora grinned, raising her own jar "Let get those syrup! I want to try it on my pancake!"

"Sap, Nora, sap." Ren corrected "And we not come here to eat them, we here to gather samples."

"Who's care?! If there many of them we can get it for our own! Ohhh! I bet they taste yummy!" Nora drooled at the thought of eating the sap

Ren give look to his Leader who stare at Nora. Jaune put thoughtful face at that "Well, if we done with our objective then I guess we can relax a bit, taking an extra sap won't be problem. Albeit we should do it near here, just to make sure we safe."

"Yayyy!" Nora instantly lunged and hug Jaune like he is giant teddy bear "You the best Jaune-Jaune!" She squealed

Once again, Jaune only pat her head softly "There, there, why don't we gather these sap now?"

Nora quickly release her leader, big grin on her face as she walk in dancing manner to the depth of forest, all while sing-song 'new syrup' on each step

Ren give dull look to Jaune at this "You spoil her." He deadpanned, he doesn't have problem with that actually but... His Leader is sometime too soft to them! Especially Nora!

"A happy team is a good team." Jaune responded simply

RWBY plus Pyrrha giggled at this. Jaune truly can be sweet sometime, and funny as well seeing he very blind to common sense but somehow that make him able to see what they can't see

"Then, let's go! We can't let Nora hog all the fun now aren't we?" Yang grinned, she give Ruby knowing look make the girl blushed a bit "Now, let's go!" She pushed her whole team and Pyrrha, excluding Ruby

Ren only shake his head before following them, he doesn't want Nora get loss after all. He briefly noted that Pyrrha glancing at Ruby and Jaune who walk behind them, he caught sign of jealousy in her eyes and snorted inwardly

He not surprise somehow that the Spartan now have small crush to his Leader. It was quite visible, the way how she worry about him and how she support him. At first, it wasn't there, only a comfortable feeling perhaps but the more she spend time with him it become more obvious

Add the fact his Leader oblivious to this and keep gentle and helping her back. That maybe one of the factor why Pyrrha get her crush in first place

He briefly turned back to his Leader and Ruby. Both of them is close, no one can deny that. Despite they only been together for almost two weeks but the way they converse as if they had been together for months

It wasn't surprise seeing Jaune seems pretty good in adapting. He even accepting Nora strange antic and his silent demeanor easily. Despite he proclaim himself as lonely person but Jaune pretty good with handling people for some reason

Ruby and Jaune is close, maybe not in romantic way, a siblings perhaps. Or the youngest student in Beacon already harbor small crush on him, Ren doesn't know though. Unlike Pyrrha, Ruby seems able to hide it well. Not it his problem though, in fact it will be amusing to watch later, he sure of that

---

"Is there something wrong?" Jaune asked

It been thirty minutes ever since they enter the deep part of the forest. The group finally decide to separated, albeit it not far away since they still able to see each other. Jaune himself already open his sense ever since the moment he enter this forest

He keep his ears sharp, his sensory ability also extended so he can sense any Grimm that going to come. Until now he didn't see anything strange, they had no encounter any Grimm this far nor see a sign of one, which a good thing actually. But also bad seeing he ordered to found out about this 'new' Grimm if possible

He have partnered with Ruby. Normally he intent to go with Pyrrha but Yang take Pyrrha away, said she need to talk about something with the Spartan and leaving him with Ruby

Not he have any problem though, but the matter is Ruby has staring at him with strange look in last ten minutes, while at same time also fidgeting for some reason

So after ten minutes waiting, he decide to ask her "What is it?"

"E-Eh?" Ruby blinked, small shock in her voice

"You've been staring at me for last ten minutes and also seems nervous." Jaune explained "Does you have something to say?" He tilt his head a bit "Or you feel uncomfortable with my presence because of yesterday?"

"No!" Ruby blurted out, louder than she wish as her face flushed "I mean, yes! It connected to yesterday but I not find your presence uncomfortable! It was the opposite and-" She clamp her mouth shut instantly, her face become redder and she low her head embarrassingly

Jaune only blinked, he look to Ruby with confused face. What with her? "About yesterday, well, let just say I have bad dream in morning."

"A-Ah... I see..." Ruby stammered, inwardly she glad that Jaune quite dense like Jenny in her first time. If he not... Well things will be complicated, not like she doesn't like Jaune, she like him a lot but. Not in that way... He like big and little brother! So no way she going to... Ugh! "Umm... Do you want to talk about it?" She decide to left that topic later and try to help him

"No." Jaune bluntly refused.

Ruby deflated instantly, shoulder slumped and face epiphany of sadness, like a puppy that got kicked. Well, she shouldn't expect more, Jaune has his own reason after all but still

"Is that what you want to ask?" Jaune asked "I assure you Ruby I'm perfectly fine now, so not need to worry." He reassured, apparently misinterpret Ruby sad face as a worry look

"Yeah..." Ruby mumbled "It not that what I want to said, it just..." She fidgeting a bit in her place, this morning she not this shy! So what with this sudden nervousness?! Ugh! They alone now, granted they still able to see them but they can't hear them! 'Screw it! It not like I did anything strange anyway! I just want to give a gift to Jaune!' She huffed as she decide to forget her embarrassment for now

She pull her backpack from her cape, opening it and reveal small lunch box. She give small shy grin to Jaune and push it toward him

"Here! I make this for you!" She said happily

Jaune blinked at the box that given to him. Slowly he take it from her "What is this for?"

"Well... You kind of down yesterday, so I decide to make cookie for you! A little sugar to make you happy!" Ruby puffed her chest proudly

Jaune open the box, revealing a cookie that... Look alike him... Albeit few of it 'face' shape seems more... Grotesque than normal

Realizing what Jaune staring at, Ruby blushed a bit. On her defense, she can make cookie! But decorating it and turned to small mini Jaune? Hey! It hard you know! It was thanks Professor Goodwitch that caught her this morning when she awake early and give some help that many of them decent looking!

"You not need to do this, you know that?" Jaune said with quirking eyebrow

"I know!" She huffed "But as your friend and fellow Leader, it my job to help you!" She told him with grin "Beside, you already help me plenty enough so... I just returning the favor."

Jaune stared at her. Truthfully, he not fan of sweet, but it doesn't mean he can't eat one. However, she already made one for him, and while he tempted to reject it but this is Ruby Rose he talking about, the one that his Master told to keep an eye more than the other... And his fellow Leader as well

And it recorded in book that trading gift with another Leader can delve their relationship further, which going to increase their teamwork effectiveness

'I should held small event where RWBY and JNPR trade gift to each other perhaps. Will improve team relationship.' He thought with now inwardly, on outside he grab one of the cookie and looking to it as if it some kind of alien object. Then wordlessly, he throw it to his mouth "Hmmm..."

"How is it?" Ruby asked, she had taste it before of course and it decent enough for her. But again, she do love cookies so... Her opinion maybe a bit biased

"It... Adequate." Jaune grunted and its true. The sugar wasn't too much and it good thing for his taste, it crunchy but also not too hard at same time. It maybe not the best cookies he had, but it is decent

"Really?" Ruby asked, appear to be happy

"It a bit bland, and other may found it only normal. But I like it, I'm not fan of sweet in first place." Jaune give gratitude as he take one of the cookie and eat it again

Ruby feel a bit down at the comment at first time. Of course, Jaune won't like sweet, it wasn't common for boy to like one after all. But she brightened, then again, he did said she did a good job! This is the first time she made cookies to boy as gratitude and it maker proud that the boy like it!

The group who watching have mixture of their expression, from annoyance to amusement

"I guess it official to said Ruby have crush now." Blake dully commented

Yang meanwhile openly gaped. Of all things she don't expect the scenario to went like this! True there part of her that warn her this could happen, but the way Ruby act Jaune is simply remind how she act to her too much so she dismiss that part! Add the fact Jaune also proved to be decent companion this far...

She really tempted to smack herself to tree now! No, no! No! Just no! Her baby little sister have a crush?! This is too soon! The scenario she imagine actually there no shy moment! Just Ruby talk like usual and give her cookie to him! Gah! And now she look back to it, that really silly!

"I'm surrpise you not see this coming." Weiss commented as she observe their Leaders

Pyrrha meanwhile on her own dilemma. Part of her amused at the way her fellow red head act but at same also... Annoyed... Annoyed that somehow she close to her Leader and... She not... They close but not like how Ruby and Jaune were, they close in term of 'Partner' and that somehow make Pyrrha irritated

Said the boy now who listening to Ruby with grunt and collecting the sap suddenly stiffened. His eyes widen in small margin and his fingers twitching to Crocea Mors on his left hip

There Grimm nearby...

His sensor ability is actually not allow him to detect Grimm, no. It only allow him to detect living being, one that has Aura, an ability he get through his experiment. However that doesn't mean he can't tell where Grimm is

Plant have Aura, animals, all living beings possess one. But Grimm is none... In the place like this, a forest who surrounded by animals and living being, the Aura he detect is almost everywhere, it was place that filled with life after all

And Grimm has none... And because of there no Aura to detect in there, they become visible. Among the light, they stand alone. It like cast invisible person that stand in sunlight, but not completely invisible since it shadow can be seen

Though he can't get glimpse of it clearly, unlike when he detect Aura, but at least he can tell if there Grimm or not around him

"Jaune?" Ruby apparently notice his rigid body as she shoot him questioning look

The man in armor reply only give her the box, his eyes still locked to where he sense the Grimm "Stay here." Jaune ordered

"W-Wha?"

Before Ruby able to give proper lesson, Jaune already walk through the bush, he brush away the plant, following the presence he detect and he unsheath his sword, eyes sharpened in preparation

'Close... I'm close...' He can sense the shadow presence is near now. It appear to approach him as well as he can sense it coming closer, he tighten his grip to his sword. And without any word, he jumped, leaping through another group of bush, he rise his sword and swing it down to

Nothing...

Jaune blinked... There nothing. His sword meet nothing but empty space. The only sight that his eyes caught is red tree that growth in Forever Fall, followed by animals that scattered and red grass

"What the..."

He sense something. He truly did and his sense never fail him this far. He lower his stance a bit, but his body keep ready, albeit his mind is confused as he spin in his place, looking for sign of the Grimm

'I still sense it... It even near me now! And I still can't see it!' Jaune face confronted to frown as he began to searching for the Grimm 'And... It run away now! Oh no you don't!'

"Jaune!"

The Black Knight halted himself from jumping to after the Grimm when Ruby call him. He turned and see the red hooded girl approaching him with slight concern, followed behind her is Pyrrha, Yang and everyone else

"What's the matter Jaune? You just run away like that." Ruby asked everyone question to him

Jaune merely shift his gaze back to the Grimm that now out from his sense, his frown deepened at this "I sense something watching us." He grunted as he sheath his sword back

"Sense something?" Blake asked, eyebrow quirked

"Call it hunch or sixth sense. But I know when someone watching me for long time." Jaune answered stoically "I can hear something rustling in the bush before I drove it away."

Blake blinked, that was... Very specific. He can hear that good? For Human that was impressive feat to have sharp ears like that

"You sure there something here before?" Yang asked as she observing their surrounding

"I'm sure of it. But it seems already go away." Jaune replied before he turn everyone "Let gather the sap and leave. I don't think it safe anymore in here." He said to his team before turned to Ruby

"Well, if you say so then... We already finish ours." Ruby informed as she rise her full jar, followed by her team

"How about us?" Jaune asked

"I half done." Pyrrha said with slight sheepish voice as she raised her half filled jar before she throw glare to Nora "Thanks to Nora here!"

The orange haired girl merely grinned sheepishly and rub back of her head while Ren sighed "I already done mine and Nora." He said, truth to be said, Nora actually did not do anything but eating the sap. She did gather them but then they suddenly gone, Nora said a Sloth stole them. Yeah, like he will believe in that

"Nora." Jaune sighed as he give look to the girl

"Sorry! It so delicious and sweet when I put it with my pancake!" Nora defended herself weakly and only make Jaune frowned further

"I did said you can eat when we done. I already pack for yours as matter of fact." Jaune said strictly as he rise two jar, one extra for Nora that he intent to give

"I'm sorry!"

"As punishment for eating Pyrrha, your jar will be decreased to fill Pyrrha's."

"W-Wha! B-But Jaune-Jauneeee!" Nora pouted, eyes start getting teary like puppy

Sadly, it not useful to Jaune

"No." Jaune insisted, eyes glaring to the girl who slumped

"Come on Jaune." Yang tried to help the girl, despite being different team but she like Nora "You not need to be that tight on her. Why don't you Yang a bit that strict rule." She joked a bit, making her whole team groan at the pun

"Sorry Yang, but no. I did said Nora can eat after we finish filling our jar, it will be a bit fine if she eat from hers, but she take Pyrrha's." Jaune said firmly, and it true, he can tolerate if Nora eat from her own jar, but taking another person work is no, no!

"Jaune I think it fine as well, I can gather it once again." Pyrrha said, apparently seeing Nora who sulking now while comforted by Ren enough to make her pity the girl, she truly looking sad and quite miserable "It just sap, we can gather it, give me three or five minutes and I will be done."

"I will help as well." Ren chimed in, despite it Nora fault but Ren consider himself as her 'caretaker', if he can help it then he will

Jaune stared at his team. They pretty insistent about this and he knew they mean well, wishing to help Nora and he will allow it had this mission only gather sample of sap like usual

But it not...

So the answer should be no, and that what he going to answer had he not notice the look RWBY team give to him. They supporting his team as well, and he knew if he said no and take JNPR team leave, RWBY will stay in here to gather extra sap for Nora probably. Which make thing become more complicated seeing they should not separated, not when there possibly invisible Grimm that able to alert other Grimms lurking around

Children... Despite they all possessing strength that able to count them as mature Huntress and Hunter but they all still so naïve...

...

"Fine." Jaune grunted, but he make it clear he dislike it as he openly scowled "Eight minutes, that's all I give."

His team beamed, and Nora also appear to be lightened at his decision, he can tell there sign of approval from Ruby eyes as well. He merely grunted and turned away, eyes lingering to the forest while Pyrrha, Ren and Nora go back to gather the sap

"Lightened a bit Jaune." Yang give slight hit to him with her elbow "It just gathering sap for few minutes."

"Hn."

"Beside, there nothing in here. This field quite open see." Yang gestured to their surrounding "If there Grimm, we will see it instantly!"

It true... There nothing around them, a tree, animals, grass, there nothing strange actually in first place...

Which is exactly just like the video he watch before coming here

'Come on Jaune... Think... Any clue, any clue you can find!' He digging his mind further, trying to recall everything he watch few hours ago and comparing it his current situation. Trying as hard as he could to find strange things he can use to give him clue at least

Oblivious to Jaune thought, Yang continued "Beside, Grimm is black and white! And this place is full red. How the heck they going to hide? We going to see them coming from away!"

Well, Yang did right. Grimm black and white color make them easy to be recognized. Thankfully until now none of Grimm known able to change their fur color, it going to be problematic if they able to do that since there big chance they can blend with... Animal

Wait! Animal...?

Black and white animal...

'Could it be...?' Jaune eyes widened as he find another puzzle. It was big possibility rather than invisible Grimm. And also... The animals he see that escape before was...

No... There no doubt anymore... It was Grimm... The Grimm never got unseen by people, as matter off act they were seen and sighted. But people decide to shrug it off because it appearance is too normal! Unlike Beowolves, Boarbatusk, Goliath and Ursa that very difference and can be identified as abnormal in instant, this one is not...

'We have to get out from here, now!' He already get the information he need, there no need to fight if his objective done already seeing he found out the identify of the Grimm. Right now they have to escape before the Screecher-

KKKKRRRRAAAARRRKKKK

An inhumane, freakish, and unnatural voice screeched, reverberating around the whole Forever Fall. It was screech that resembling squeal, and yet also squeaking, it also screech that by any mean impossible to be produced by any animals because there no way Mother Nature will give birth to Animal that able to let out such horrible sound

And Jaune recognize that it very familiar with the one he watched

"What was that?" Ruby asked as she instantly got alert at the sudden strange voice

"Whatever it is, it need to eat some cool candy. Geez, that voice was so bad that it make my ear feel bad." Yang commented as she digging her ear with her pinky finger

"I knew it!" Jaune groaned

"What? What you knew?" Weiss demanded

"Explanation later!" Jaune barked, he unsheath his weapon and give them strict look "We have to regroup now and return to Professor Goodwitch place before-"

A small tremor that felt by everyone make Jaune paused in his words. Blake cat ears under her bow twitched as she heard something coming toward them, and judging by the tremor and sound of loud footstep she heard... It wasn't little nor it alone

"Go. Back. Now!" Jaune hissed as he push them all away, uncaring that some of them almost tripped. His eyes keep lingering to the forest behind him while he keep yelling for Ruby and the other to run

And when a group of Grimm burst out from behind them, they all run

---

They come from nowhere... There no warning or sign they was there in first place, it as if they literally come to them, locating their direction before begin to swarming them from all direction

They trapped...

That was the best thing to describe their situation

When they run, they come from their front, so many of them that it make them halt. And that momentary halt proved to be big mistake as in that moment a hundred of them began to circling and caging them

CRUNCH!

A sound of flesh pounced and bone crushed echoed as Jaune slam his shield to Beowolf Alpha face, then swiftly he rise Crocea Mors and stab the beast jaw from below, piercing through it head and brain and killing it . And when he did that, Pyrrha instantly come to his back, covering him and use Akoúo̱ to block Ursa that try to strike the opening Jaune made, followed by Nora who leaped and using Magnhild and sending the Ursa away, Ren then appear on Nora side and use StormFlower in blade form to slice one of Beowolf claw before rise the other and shoot it in the face, killing it in instant

A group of Beowolves jumped, fangs bare open to the World and they all rise their claws with intent to tore their prey apart into pieces.

A red blur flashed between them. There nothing much to see in normal eyes, but in trained one, they would see a girl carrying large scythe spinning. She maneuvering the weapon that surpass her size almost like part of her limbs, rise it elegantly and slice through the Beowolves that come for them.

She allow small smirk crossed to her face, however a shadow instantly looming over her and she turned to see giant Ursa growled at her. The red caped girl must admit, this Ursa is the biggest one she ever seen! And it also covered in more armor and spike that it peers. The creature raise it massive claw, red eyes glowing ominously and-

BANG!

A strong, fast and clean thrust from two fists that covered by golden gauntlet slammed to the Grimm massive body, making it elicited voice that resemble choked gasp before it explode. The bear-like creature hurled back, smashing to the ground in painful manner. But it not done, just when it twitched, a barrage of purple colored energy smashed to it, slamming it down further before ice and fire colored beam struck it, preventing it from moving further. And the final touch come, spinning in wind like a disk fast and strong enough that the air itself seems screeching. It smashed to the beast head, cutting through it neck like a hot knife sliced butter and killing it

"Keep in the circle!" Jaune barked as he pull back his shield through his wire, grabbing it he instantly rise it once again and just in time to hold one of the Beowolf claw with it, then he deflecting it upward before deliver uppercut slash, slicing the werewolf-like creature in two cleanly "Do not let them enter our range! Kill them and retreat, the other cover your allies back when they just strike with range attack!" He yelled as he jumped back to avoid swipe from Ursa, and just when the Grimm about to chase him, a pink grenade explode in it face, killing it and send it organ to everywhere

The Black Knight briefly glancing at his and Ruby team, wishing to see how they fair in this condition. And he not disappointed, despite the number of the Grimm is vast and outnumber them from twelve to one they all still able to handle themselves pretty well

His team pretty much already prepared for this things. During weeks he spend with them, he not just make sure they comfortable but they also talking about battle strategy, one that how to be used if something like this happen. He even share this idea to Ruby about fighting large group of Grimm and said to her how it will be useful to have one. And judging by how RWBY seems able to handle things, safe to say Ruby take the advice seriously

They winning now... Despite there danger and chance things go wrong but they winning. Their defense is impenetrable no matter how vast the Grimm strike them. Ruby and the others capable to fight against Grimm like Beowolves or Ursa that coming, and when there Ursa Major or Beowolf Alpha, Jaune will make sure he kill them fast before they able to do anything dangerous

And yet...

"There no end of them!" Weiss hissed as she empowering her rapier with Wind Dust to sharpened her strike, slicing through one of the Beowolf

"We can't keep going like this! We have to move!" Ruby yelled as she use her speed and jumping over one Ursa then beheading it from the air using her scythe, and when she landed, she instantly gone and avoid two swipe of Beowolves claws

BOOM! BOOM!

And two explosive rounds hit both Beowolves, hurling them away. Yang cocked Ember Celica before she ducked and deliver punch to one of Beowolf face and Blake quickly appear behind her, Gambol Shroud in it katana form slashing Ursa chest that try to ambush Yang before Ruby soar to it and slice it head, separating it from it body and killing it

"Agree with Ruby! We caged in here!" Yang agreed

Jaune gritted his teeth. Yes, they winning... But their stamina is limited while the Grimm is not. And while true he can go tango with them and kill all of them by himself but right now he have team to protect!

'Professor Goodwitch will come here soon! We already face these Grimms for a ten minutes! She probably arrive in next few! But at this rate, I don't think one of us will unharmed before she come!'

If one of them harmed now, things will be dangerous. There chance the team will be panic and their formation will break, allowing the Grimm to strike them down. His eyes roamed to Blake that knocked back but able to balance herself, but it clear she exhausted and he also notice that Ren breath become heavier as he try his best to dodge the strike from Ursa.

Right now they barely able to keep this stalemate state, their stamina almost reach there limit. And if their formation broken because one of them hurt, that will be bad, there weill be panic and they need to cover the injured one... If that happen...

"I have plan." Jaune grunted as he kick away one Beowolf in face "Nora, can you use sword and shield?" He yelled

"Eh?!" Nora blinked at the sudden question while hammering one of Ursa in chest before click the trigger and send it to explode "Ummm, not really, I mean I did ever use two handed sword but it too bland for my taste and chopping things is not my thing and also-"

"Yes! Yes, she can!" Ren yelled as he punch one Beowolf in abdomen, enhancing it with his aura and send shockwave to knock it away. Seriously, leave it to Nora to still ranting in situation like this!

"Good! Trade weapon with me!" Jaune ordered "And this is order Nora! It only for moment! And yes! I can use it!"

"Eh?! Sure then! But be careful with my baby!"

Jaune run straight to Nora, quickly he hand his sword and shield to the girl before take the hammer. Then he turned to Pyrrha and ran to her "Pyrrha, launch me to there!" He barked, pointing to some direction

"What?!" Pyrrha yelled as she in middle of fight with pair of Beowolves "Jaune! There hundred or dozens of Grimm in there! I even see the big one!"

"Leader Order! Don't talk! Send me now!" Jaune barked as he jump to Pyrrha. The red haired Spartan cursed at this, she quickly knock the Beowolves away before spin her shield, maneuver it and brace herself as her Leader leg smashed to her. And damn Gods it was HEAVY! It take everything she have to not knocked back, gritting her teeth, she dig her leg to the ground before let out cry and push her leader away

Jaune spin in air, Magnhild still in Grenade Launcher form before he shift it to Hammer. As he hover in air he can see the numbers of the Grimm is vast, it still many and they keep coming. It as if the whole Grimm in Forever Fall now come to one area, to here!

Gripping the giant hammer, he roll himself as gravity finally take effect, and when the hammer pointing below, he click the trigger and allow the explosive force propel him down, making him soar below faster.

He fix himself in air, ensuring he in comfortable position, black aura start to crawl from his fingers to Magnhild like a snake, followed by red vines that wrapped around it pommel like a ribbon. Then his eyes flashed into red as he leering down at the massive Ursa Major that look to him

"BRACE FOR QUAKE EVERYONE!" He warned

And he brought it down

And the World tremble

Small earthquake erupted when Magnhild brought down to the earth. It as if the Heaven itself decide to send their hammer down to punish the sea of dark creatures that gnawing in the Earth. Giant spider web crack spread in the ground, followed by massive crater that deep enough to consider to fit truck in there, sending all the Grimms that gather in there to knocked away by the force of his fall

"THE FUCK?!" Yang yelled as earthquake suddenly crawl to them. JNPR and RWBY immediately trying their best to balance themselves so they not fall, thankfully Jaune smashed the ground not close to them so the tremor that they felt not that great

"Did... Did that man just land himself in the middle of Grimm?!" Weiss asked in dumbfounded tone "D-DID HE INSANE?!" She shrieked, a shockeed that there someone that stupid to just jump to Grimm like that!

Apparently it not just her who think like that as Pyrrha herself dumbfounded. She knew he will pull insane idea but this, this is something that out of her mind! "Damn it Jaune! You-"

Whatever she wish to said and any comment from RWBY and her team silenced as a giant Ursa Major flung away to the air, passing above them like it just get launched by cannon.

And then followed by massive Alpha Beowolf. And then followed by pair of Beowolves... And then followed by another Ursa

And it was then they notice that the Grimm start flying

In middle of it, Jaune stand alone. Magnhild already back to it original form swirling in one of his hand before he grip it and brought it up, smashing to Beowolf and hurl the poor Grimm away. One Ursa try to strike him from behind but Jaune jumped, somersault in air before smash down the hammer and crushing the bear Grimm head into porridge of blood

Three Beowolves come from his left, two from his right, two Ursa from front and behind. They all lunged at him almost same time with their deadly claws bare open to kill him. Jaune extend Magnhild before he spin. Almost like a tornado and strike all the Grimms with the orange haired girl weapon, smashing them away

As he landed himself, the hammer in his hand shifted into Grenade Launcher and he rise it with one hand, aiming it to three Beowolves that intent to strike him from behind and he hit them all with the grenade, knocking them away with the pink explosion

And not a second he did that, he throw the Grenade Launcher that shifted to hammer above him and it landed on his left hand, then he brought it down just in time to smash Boarbatusk that charging at him. The tusk that make the Grimm proud and even capable to hold even explosion in point blank crushed when the hammer meet it. They broken and snapped as if they mere twig under the Black Knight one hand strength

Then the Knight rise it, blood that dripped from Magnhild blunt edge dissipated into mist as the Grimm it killed died. He rest the hammer to his shoulder and he looking around to the Grimm that surround him, he notice the remaining Beowolves Alpha and Ursa Major now hesitate to strike blindly as they see their forces just decimated easily

And without words, he charged at them. Magnhild spin and twirl in his hands as if he had known the weapon for very long time, the way he swing, dance, dodging and maneuvering the giant hammer is so flawless, one won't be blamed if he mistake him as master in wielding hammer

The (J)NPR and RWBY who watching this only can watch with awe

"Holy... Shit." Yang mumbled out, summarizing what people have in their mind actually

"I knew Jaune is strong, he pretty much tackle Death Stalker by himself and not even trying when fighting Cardin but..." Blake drawled as she watch JNPR team leader send Grimm after Grimm flying in air like they some kind of balls that thrown away in crude manner, it was quite comical in one side of view despite how epic it look.

Pyrrha herself agree, she knew Jaune strong, and there chance he actually better than him and after seeing this she not doubt it anymore. This.. This is actually quite amazing feat, with this much skill and the way he fight... Jaune should be mature Hunter already! Not need for him to enter Beacon!

"Jaune-Jaune must teach me how to wield hammer like that!" Nora grinned happily, excitement in her eyes as she staring at Jaune who bludgeoning some Ursa with her weapon! Never once she see someone use Magnhild in such mastery! Ohh yess! She will ask him to teach ler later!

"Jaune..." Ruby whispered with pure awe as she see her fellow team leader fighting

"As much I love to watch but!" Ren deliver another strike to one Beowolf that approach them, breaking the group from their amazement "We still have Grimm to take care about!"

Hearing that the group instantly went to combat mode again, true right now they not totally safe. There Grimm still around them despite Jaune now handle almost sixty percent of it by himself

"And I don't think Jaune will able to hold them all by himself! So we better finish this quick and-"

Ren cut himself when he notice that there shadow looming over them. He and the rest of the group raise their heads and openly gasped when see what above them

They don't know what they is. Their colors is multiple, from blue, green, red to yellow. Their numbers is vast, they are so many, all of them glowing eerily with hum of power as they hover about them, their edge is sharp, almost like a 'javelin' spinning in air with drilling motion, they all also look like a tree, but one that broken and gathered together in abstract way.

Then they rained down to them... And they all struck the sea of Grimm

And they all dead...

The 'javelin' piece through their body, pinning them to the ground like a rain of bullets. So many and fast they are that the Grimm don't even have chance to move and dodge as they all pinned by them, and the moment they did, all of them explode. Some into burst of ice that freeze and encasing them, some into burst of flame that eat them wholly, some into burst of violent wind that tore they apart, and some into burst of electric that shocked them brutally

"This is..." Ruby murmured, she had see similar attack before. It was few days when she registered to Beacon! This kind of attack...

And among the death Grimm, Glynda Goodwitch walk toward her students. Her posture is elegant and strict, her Riding Crop glowing with power as she extend it and keep the 'javelin' raining down to the Grimm that dare to try harm her student. And all students finally see it...

They know her as mere strict person... A professor and Huntress... But never once they see her in act... And now they see it... They see the true power of the Glynda Goodwitch and how she fight in field

Jaune who watching merely smirked as he allow himself to stand still in his place. Magnhild held down and he see the Grimm one by one death under the Glynda assault. About time she come! To be expected from someone who work as his Master Right Hand.

This is Glynda Goodwitch... A woman that considered as Ozpin Right Hand, a woman that also ordered to protect one of the Maidens, a woman that considered as the best Huntress in Vale.

It was then his sharp eyes caught something in tree far away from him. To anyone, even Faunus, they wouldn't be able to see, despite they possess sharp eyes and good hearing but the distance between the object Jaune currently see is quite far from them

But to Jaune? He see it clearly

It small... Probably only around one foot. It held itself in one branch of tree. It color is black, followed by white fur that trailing on above it head to it tail. It was Skunk... Or at least it look like one... But it not.

It eyes is crimson red... There bone armor cover it face and barely able to seen. One even won't know it Grimm had they not see it from closer to notice the simple detail

And it stared at him with it red eyes...

Red orbs clashed against dark violet

It rise one leg, obviously attempt to escape seeing now it has lose. It knew that it had fail and it have to retreat before it also death.

Jaune can't have that...

They said frog froze when staring at snake eyes. Despite it can move, attempt to escape but somehow they freeze when they look to their predator eyes. Why? Why such thing could happen?

Because fear...

The moment the weak gaze upon the predator eyes, they can't do nothing but fear them. They knew that the predator is creature beyond them, one that born to eat them, one that born to be stronger than them and the World has decide the weak are powerless against them. And because they know that, they can't do anything but to fear them... Even if they try to move but their limbs won't work because fear has make them stop, eluding any sense they have

And that what happen when the Skunk-like Grimm staring at Jaune crimson glowing eyes. The moment it laid it eyes upon his, whatever consciousness or mind it has broke. It knew it make big mistake. It knew it will dead no matter what. It has been a fool for attempting to strike something that beyond it and make him upset to it. It has been stupid to make a... Monster that far bigger than it paying attention to it

And like frog that eaten by snake when they froze. The Grimm not even try to move or dodge when one of grenade launched to it and killing it

---

"Is everyone okay?" Glynda asked as she staring at the students who gather in front of her

"We fine." Ruby answered with smile before she frown a bit "But Jaune..."

Everyone watching as Jaune now laying in ground. His eyes closed and his head rested on Pyrrha lap. It did not need to take genius to find out that Jaune is exhausted, and they can't blame him. He had facing sixty percent of the Grimm by himself after all, something that very amazing.

Pyrrha blushed a bit when everyone turn to see her with Jaune in her lap. What?! She can't let him to rest in ground! He now pretty exhausted and just helping them! It just logical thing as his partner she help him like this "He just exhausted. His Aura also dropped low but he will be fine." Pyrrha informed, rising her Scroll that show Jaune Aura that empty

Most of them breath sigh of relief hearing that, glad that Jaune is fine and only exhausted. Truthfully they didn't see any exterior injury save for dirt and few minor bruise in his body, a further testimony of Jaune strength

Glynda meanwhile only shifted her glasses. She perfectly aware that Jaune actually not exhausted at all, in fact his Aura is anything but empty as he now simply sleeping. The Scroll that given to students is altered about Jaune Aura so they can't see his real Aura

He did this because he have cover to do. If Students find him too strong there will be so many questions. Right now Jaune himself already show too much strength for them and Glynda won't be surprised if they going to ask Jaune for questions later

Well... At least the hidden mission pretty much success. Jaune already make gesture to her that he got what he needed about the mysterious Grimm that manage to sneak in to Kingdom, with this they will able to give proper warning to Four Kingdom in future, there many of Hunter, Huntress and people life that taken away from this method after all. And now they able found the species of Grimm that responsible

"I don't know either he is insane or he just very good." Weiss grumbled as she glancing at Jaune

"Who care?! He's rock!" Nora chirped happily "Don't you see how he use Magnhild?! Even I'm not that expert and I spend my whole life using this baby!" She declared

"That pretty much true." Yang added as she recall Jaune decimated the Grimm by himself "I know Black Knight is good but this?" She shook her head in exasperation "Man that take out my expectation from him!"

Blake meanwhile staring at the Black Knight with calculating gaze. She didn't tell anyone about her discovery when she accidentally spying on Jaune few days ago, the boy deserve privacy after all and who she is to judge him seeing she have her own skeleton in her closet. But there no doubt she actually curious, very curious about him

If Jaune truly ill for eleven years then... How is he this good? She admit even she won't able to do what he did. The way he move and fight is very skilled! Someone like him can be considered as mature Hunter already!

To be honest, to become mature Hunter you didn't need to enter Academy. If you have skills and the right motive, the Hunter Association will register you as one, there many Hunter that don't have proper history such as coming from red district and survivor from outside of Kingdom.

Anyone can become a Hunter. But anyone also know live to be Hunter is anything but easy. Even when in academy you could die if things goes wrong, like this event. If Jaune didn't jump and distract most of the Grimm before Glynda coming, Blake admit she maybe going to knocked down and wounded, her Aura already on red bar and almost zero. If she loss her Aura it will leave her open and... It won't be pretty, not with the numbers of Grimm that they fought

And Jaune is skilled... Very skilled... So why he doesn't become legal Hunter but entering academy instead? This certainly one of the biggest mystery she currently have. And like people said, Cat always curious

And whoever said curiosity kill the Cat, that won't work on her! She not that curious to dare digging into something very dark... Albeit she already can be considered already in dark due to her previous affiliation with White Fang, but the point is she already see the dark side of the World due to her status as Faunus. Surely whatever hided about Jaune won't be that bad!

Oh how she will regret it in future

Ruby meanwhile also quite worried for Jaune. Even if he only exhausted but it still make her heart gnawed by concern. Jaune is her first friend, one that understand her and share their times together. Both of them awkward socially, despite they knew how to lead but when trying to interact with people their skill pretty much zero, albeit Jaune on another level seeing he truly lack of common sense

'Well... At least we got our sap!' She thought cheerfully. Despite her concern to Jaune but she, herself knew he will wake up at very least tomorrow. He maybe going to be sore but he will be fine, Jaune is strong and she can depend on him!

Right now, they all need rest... It not everyday you fought army of Grimm after all. The number of the Grimm that attacked pretty much can reach hundreds before! And they take them all without any of them injured! That is something to be proud of!

---

Aaaanddd cut! With this, Forever Fall stage is done!

Jaune just can't rest isn't he? He just have to tempt fate yesterday and look what it give to him?! Ha! A horde of Grimm XD

Yep, pretty much a new kind of Grimm called Screecher. I made it by my own. I got this idea when I watch some Skunk in TV, seeing it black and white color make me realize that it look like Grimm! And when I thought of that it crossed my mind to use it! Why not? Grimm pretty much is dangerous creature after all!

And we got glimpse of Jaune skill in here! Yes everyone! That was Knight of Honor he use when he diving from the sky! Didn't expect that did you?! Heh! Well, you all wish to see Jaune moment and there you got it! Albeit he not using sword but giant hammer

And Glynda! Mannn! I feel quite epic actually when I write her scene! Let be honest, Glynda is rock! Don't you see how she try to stop the Bullhead in episode one and how she fight against Cinder?! Shit! That woman is awesome! I mean she literally make rain of icicle from nothing by using Dust and combine it with her Semblance! Son of the Holy Heaven! That was pretty cool I tell you!

Pairing! Pretty much I still don't give care to this but right now, Ruby and Pyrrha clearly the obvious choice. Maybe Blake will included, depend on how you all wish to. But right now those two red haired woman clearly in front

And yess! Jenny Arc, sister of Jaune will come in next chapter! I bet many of you curious how she will be look like and what her ability! Well, held your seatbelt and prepare to meet her in next chapter! XD

This is it for now, I hope you love this chapter! Please Favorite, Follow, and Review

Ja Ne! XD