"Ahhhhhhhhhhhhh!" Screaming his lungs out and with a steel briefcase in hand, Jaune was currently running through the white-colored halls of what was supposed to be a secret Atlas military research base. On top of all that, a hail of bullets were currently raining down on the boy's back. Fortunately for the young blonde, his aura was protecting him from any fatal damage but even he could tell that it was close to empty.

"Faster, child. Faster!" came the grating voice of his quote unquote mentor, the scorpion Faunus cackling madly with glee, "It won't be long now before the soldiers catch up to you."

"You know, I would appreciate a little help over here!" Jaune shouted as best he could over the sound of gunfire behind him. Turning a corner, the boy suddenly found Tyrian running beside him, the man having appeared from seemingly out of nowhere.

"Oh, I'm sure you would but my divine orders were clear: Observe. Only act if Jaune is dying. You're not dying, are you, Jaune?"

"Not exactly something I can afford to do right now. Not when I've finally found someone to live for in that Godsforsaken castle." Jaune thought to himself through gritted teeth as the gunfire behimd him seemed to intensify by the second, "Fine. Then just shut up and stop annoying me."

"Oh, I do enjoy that look in your eyes, child. I do hope whatever it is you have planned doesn't end up disappointing me."

Before long, the duo soon found themselves standing in the middle of the base's hangar with several unmanned Bullheads around them. Locking the entrance to the hangar behind them with the help of a program he received from Watts, Jaune immediately took stock of his current situation. With the doors of the hangar slowly closing, the blonde quickly chose the one closest to the exit as he blew the doors of the Bullhead open with a grenade.

"Not a very elegant way to enter a Bullhead but I suppose it deserves a passing grade." Tyrian managed to say as he followed the boy into the vehicle. Ignoring the man, Jaune immediately entered the cockpit and sat down on the pilot's seat. A moment later, the doors leading into the hangar were blasted open before a group of soldiers rushed towards them.

With the Bullhead only about halfway through to powering up, Jaune let out a loud curse as he snatched the grenades he had found throughout the base. The young blonde then engaged in a firefight with the Atlesian soldiers that lasted just above a minute before the Bullhead he and Tyrian were in was ready to depart. With his aura nearly at zero, Jaune was able to escape from the military base with his life intact.

It was half an hour after leaving the military base behind that Jaune finally allowed himself to relax as he placed the Bullhead in autopilot.

"Bravo, child. Truly, you should be proud of what you've done today." Tyrian said.

"Tyrian, could you shut up… for, like, a second or something?" Jaune said as he faced the man. The two exchanged glances for a moment before Tyrian spoke up.

"Okay, second's over." the man said, cackling even as Jaune glared daggers at him. The next moment, in one swift motion, Jaune unsheathed a dagger before stabbing Tyrian in the face. At least, that's what was supposed to happen if the blonde's attack wasn't stopped mere inches from the Faunus's eye.

"Ah, what a shame. Maybe if you were faster, then you would have succeeded that time." the man said, snatching the dagger away from Jaune before tossing it to the back of the Bullhead, "You're getting closer, child. Maybe next time."

"Yeah… Next time…" Jaune grumbled to himself as the Bullhead slowly made its way towards the keyed in destination.

[~]

"I just want it on record that I am against this plan." Jaune said, grumbling under his breath as he paced around inside the tent he was currently in. Wearing a black coat over a red shirt and a pair of black pants, the blonde had brought along an assortment of weapons for the fight ahead, ranging from smoke grenades to flashbangs.

"Thank you for your concern, Jaune. They've been noted and recorded." Cinder said, rolling her eyes at the blonde.

"I don't understand why you're not more worried, especially considering who it is we're dealing with."

"Because there is nothing to worry about." Cinder argued, an annoyed frown on her face.

"This is Raven Branwen we're talking about. Someone who would casually betray her own blood." Jaune countered, a look of bewilderment on his face at how relaxed Cinder seemed to be at the moment, "She would just as easily turn on us the moment we turn our back to her."

"Then I just won't do that, will I?" Cinder replied, a small chuckle escaping her lips.

"Cinder…" Jaune said before the woman in question interrupted him.

"Look, I understand that you're worried but I need you to trust me. This time tomorrow, we'll have the Relic of Knowledge in our hands." Cinder said, strolling up to the blonde as she held his face in her hands.

"It's not you I don't trust…" Jaune said, finally relenting with a sigh, "It's Raven."

"Obviously, nobody here is stupid enough to trust her, Jaune." Cinder said, gesturing to the people gathered in the tent, namely Emerald, Mercury, and Watts, "Or, what? You don't think I can beat her in a fight? You wound me, Jaune."

"Shut up." Jaune said, as the two of them shared a small smile, "Obviously you're the better fighter but you'll be at a two-on-one disadvantage. I'm worried something terrible might happen."

"Get a room, you two." came the grating voice of Arthur Watts from the side as he stared at the couple, "And here I was hoping that you two would get into a screaming match, not… whatever this is."

"Shut up, Watts." said Cinder and Jaune at the same time as the two of them rounded on the disgraced Atlesian.

"Touchy, touchy." Watts said, chuckling to himself with a self-satisfied grin on his face.

"What are you even still doing here?" Jaune asked.

"That hurts, Jaune. Do you want me gone that badly?" Watts asked, feigned hurt on his face, "And here I thought we were friends."

"If that's the case, then you're not as bright as you claim to be." Cinder said, scoffing at the man. Watts made to argue before a black and red portal shimmered to life in front of them as Vernal stepped into the tent.

"Showtime, kids." the bandit said as Cinder formed a fireball in her hands.

[~]

"Ruby!" Yang shouted as the blonde immediately rushed towards her sister's side.

"Good evening, boys and girls." a voice said that immediately caught the young girl's attention, "It's been so long, hasn't it?"

"Cinder." Ruby said, growling under her breath as she stood up from the surprise attack. From behind the woman, four of her subordinates followed her through the portal. Mercury, Emerald, a tan girl with short brown hair and-

"Jaune! You're okay!" Pyrrha shouted, relief and joy in her voice at the sight of her partner, the redhead seemingly forgetting about the presence of Cinder's party. Even Ruby felt happy at the sight of her first friend. Before she could process the situation, however, Cinder threw a similar fireball at Pyrrha but unlike Ruby, the girl had the presence of mind to bring her shield up just before the attack hit.

"Hmph. I'd appreciate it if you didn't try to take what isn't yours, Nikos." Cinder said, eyes blazing as she glared at the redhead.

"What…?" Pyrrha said, her gaze shifting between Cinder and Jaune.

"Hey, guys. I have to say, I'm surprised none of you are dead yet, especially since Tyrian came to kill you." Jaune said, a grin on his face as he sent a look towards Qrow, "But I suppose that was because of you, wasn't it?"

"Jaune, what are you talking about?" Pyrrha asked, the smile on her face beginning to waver. Before the girl's question could be answered, the sound of the door behind them opening grabbed everyone's attention.

"Hazel…" Oscar muttered as the giant of a man closed the door shut behind him before turning to face them.

"It won't be long before the White Fang have completed their duties." the man said, glaring at the group of teenagers in front of him.

"Raven, what have you done?!" Qrow asked, snarling at his sister as he took out Harbinger and pointed it at the woman.

"Don't be too heartbroken, little bird. On top of being a recent addition to our little cabal, Raven is here simply because she has the Spring Maiden with her." Cinder said, a mocking smile on her face as she spoke, "If you want to direct your anger at anyone, then it should be at the good Headmaster standing up there. After all, he's been an incredibly good source of information for a very, very long time. Isn't that right, Leonardo?"

"That's enough, Cinder." the man in question said, turning his head away from the group below in shame.

"Leo, you… You're the reason why everyone I tried to find is gone. You were the one who led them to a slaughter, weren't you?" Qrow asked, as his body trembled with anger, "Weren't you?!"

"Alright, I think I've had my fill of melodramatic crap for the day." Jaune spoke up as he stepped past Cinder, "Guys, know what's best for you and just surrender. With two Maidens on our side, we're clearly the ones with the advantage here. So just give up and let us leave with the Relic without anybody dying today, okay?"

"Jaune, you…" Pyrrha started before she sucked in a deep breath, "Why are you… working with them?"

"Isn't it obvious?" the blonde asked, eyeing his former friends.

"Jaune, this… this is all a joke, right?" Nora asked, her voice trembling, "You're not actually… with them, are you? I… I mean, you can't be. You're our team leader, right? Our Fearless Team Leader won't-"

"Nora, shut up." the blonde said, interrupting her. The girl in question, meanwhile, flinched at the words of her former team leader, "Seriously, for once in your life, would you just shut up? I mean, my Gods, do you know how much willpower it took for me to get through a day with you in that stupid old dorm of ours? I mean, seriously, people should be getting awards just for putting up with you."

"Raargh!" Ren shouted, Stormflower in his hands as he clashed with Jaune, "How could you?! After everything we've been through?!"

"Oh, get over yourself, Ren. We weren't even together for a whole year. Not a whole lot of time to form meaningful connections, don't you think?" Jaune countered, a mocking grin on his face before his eyes widened in panic as the blonde jumped back just time to avoid Pyrrha's shield striking him in the face.

"Jaune, please. Stop this. It's still not too late. Nothing's been done that can't be reversed." the redhead said, a look of uncertainty in her eyes as she and Ren faced their former team leader.

"Oh, Pyrrha. Who knew the Invincible Girl could be this stupid?" Jaune said before spears made of glass came flying through the air towards them. Fortunately, the two teens were able to react quickly enough to avoid the attack.

"Who would have thought that the Invincible Girl to be someone who would double-team her opponent?" Cinder said as she strode up next to Jaune.

"Tell me about it." Jaune said, as the two shared a mocking laugh, "Although I appreciate the assist, you should at the vault right now."

"I would if that idiot Headmaster would open the door for us!" Cinder said, shouting that last part as the man in question hurriedly made his way down the stairs just as the scene below him unfolded into various fights. Emerald and Mercury were facing Ruby and Yang while Vernal was off fighting Weiss.

"Nora!" Ren shouted as he kneeled down beside the girl while Pyrrha fought Jaune and Cinder by herself.

"Ren… What…?" Nora started to say, her hands trembling at everything she's had to take in in such a short amount of time, "Jaune… Is he…?"

"Yes, Nora. I'm afraid so." Ren said, taking the girl's trembling hands into his own in an effort to calm her down.

"But… why? How could he…? I don't understand…" the girl said.

"I don't know, Nora. I wish I knew. I wish that everything happening right now was just some bad dream but it's not." Ren said as the boy took a deep breath, "Right now, there are bigger and more important things that we need to do and I need your help, Nora. Can I count on you?"

Nora could only look at her childhood friend with tear stained eyes before she wiped them clean. Then, with renewed determination - for now, at least - the young girl gripped her hammer as hard as she could before proudly standing up.

"Yeah, you can count on me, Renny." the girl said, a cheerful smile on her face but even Ren could see the sadness and uncertainty behind it though he wasn't tactless enough to say anything.

"Good. With Pyrrha's help, it shouldn't be too hard taking Cinder down." Ren added but before any of them could offer their help to Pyrrha, Hazel appeared in front of them.

"Unfortunately for you, I can't allow that to happen." the man said as he stared the two teenagers down, "Surrender. This fight doesn't have to happen."

"I agree." Ren said, weapons drawn and ready.

"But it will if you're with her." Nora said, Magnhild gripped tight in her hands.

[~]

"Go, get the Relic!" Jaune said as his blade clashed with Pyrrha's, "I'll hold her off!"

Cinder looked like she wanted to argue but ultimately decided against it. With a growl, the woman then made her way towards the entrance to the vault.

"Raven! If you're done playing with your brother, it's time to go!" Cinder shouted over the noise.

"Easier said than… done, bitch…" Raven growled as she exchanged blows with Qrow.

"You seem out of practice, Raven. I remembered you being better than this." Qrow quipped. Before Raven could retort, Hazel appeared from seemingly out of nowhere, barreling through the Huntsman.

"Go! Get the Relic!" the man said as Ren and Nora appeared behind him. With Vernal having already incapacitated Weiss, she and Raven then quickly followed after Cinder as the two women jumped down into the caverns below.

[~]

"Jaune, please! You're making a mistake!" Pyrrha said as the blonde dodged her attack before following up with one of his own, "Ozpin's told us about Salem and what she plans to do with the Relics!"

"Save your breath, Pyrrha. You're not going to convince me of anything today, least of all betraying Cinder." Jaune said as he delivered a strike at the redhead. Fortunately for her, she was able to block the attack with her shield just in time, "Besides, I already know what Salem's plans are."

"Then why?! If she succeeds, everyone on this planet is going to die!" Pyrrha argued as the two former partners locked blades once more, "Please, stop this. Join us in stopping-"

"That's enough!" Jaune shouted as he delivered a kicked that sent the girl staggering back a few feet, "Nothing you say is going to make me betray Cinder, Pyrrha. Nothing."

"Jaune, stop." came the voice of Ruby as she pointed Crescent Rose at him, now in its sniper rifle form.

"What are you gonna do, Ruby? Shoot me?" Jaune asked as he sneered at the girl.

"I will if I have to." the girl replied.

"Please, you don't have the-" was all the blonde could say before a bullet whizzed past his face as it impacted the wall behind him.

"We don't have to fight anymore. Please, just give up." Ruby said through trembling hands, "Look around you. The White Fang is defeated and most of your side is, too. Now you're the one at a disadvantage, Jaune. So just give up."

Looking around, Jaune saw that Ruby was right. Both Emerald and Mercury seemed to be at their limit. Even Hazel seemed spent. Even so, the boy turned towards Ruby with a defiant look in his eyes.

"You're forgetting someone, aren't you? We still have Cinder on our side and with her powers, ending this fight shouldn't be too difficult." Jaune said.

"He's right. Cinder's more than enough to beat all of you!" Emerald shouted, echoing the boy's sentiments. Sharing a nod, the two of them readied themselves to fight once more before the sound of the elevator leading to the vault ascending drew everyone's attention.

A look of joy and relief appeared on both of Jaune and Emerald's faces before it was slowly but surely replaced with despair as they saw Yang standing on the elevator, with the Relic of Knowledge in her hand.

As realization dawned on them, both Jaune and Emerald fell to their knees in despair at the thought of losing Cinder.

"Emerald, let's go. Now!" Mercury shouted as he and Hazel took a few steps back in retreat. The boy's words, however, were unable to reach the girl's ears as tears filled the girl's eyes. In her grief, Emerald screamed out in despair as her Semblance went out of control, creating an illusion of the monster that was Cinder's master. A moment later, everything turned dark as the illusion grew out of control as it turned to attack the ones who were present. As the illusion disappeared, Emerald, Mercury, and Hazel was nowhere to be found.

"What was-?" Blake started to say before Jaune interrupted her.

"You… killed Cinder…?" Jaune asked as the boy was on his knees and glaring daggers at Yang with his tear-filled eyes. When he received no answer, the boy took the sword into his hand as he charged towards the girl, "I'll kill you!"

With the shock from Emerald's illusion still lingering in their minds, the former students of Beacon were unable to react in time as Jaune enforced his legs with aura, leaping into the air as his sword clashed with Yang's gauntlet.

"Jaune, stop!" Pyrrha shouted, being the first one to recover her bearings. Sword and shield in hand, the redhead quickly made her way to Yang's side as Jaune delivered a devastating volley of attacks on Yang.

"I'll kill you! I'll fucking kill you!" Jaune shouted as he hacked and slashed at Yang, the girl desperately trying to defend herself from the blonde's relentless assault.

Jaune, wrapped in all his grief and anger, was unable to notice Pyrrha's shield flying towards him as it hit him square in the face, sending the boy tumbling down the stairs. Growling, Jaune made to stand up once more but was halted in his tracks as Pyrrha pointed a sword at his throat.

"... Do it." Jaune said, gripping the blade of the sword with his hand. Glaring up at his former partner with all the hatred in the world, the blonde said, "Because if you don't, I'm telling you now, I will kill every single one-"

Before her former team leader could finish his sentence, Nora appeared from behind him as she delivered a devastating blow to the side of his head with Magnhild, knocking the blonde unconscious.

[Chapter END]

A/N: And that's a wrap. Honestly, if I'm told that this chapter isn't my best work, I'll have to agree. I was just pushing myself to put this chapter out before the end of the month. Also, I'm gonna get some heat for this but, yeah. I skipped through the Qrow vs Tyrian fight because it just happened the same in canon, anyway. From this point on, I aim to diverge a bit more from canon. Hopefully.

Anyway, what are your thoughts on this chapter? Personally, I found myself struggling to write the earlier parts of it. Towards the end, it became easier as I knew where I wanted to take it. Next chapter, will be the discussion between Team RWBY & Team NPR on what to do about their former friend and team leader. Look forward to that.

As always, fave, follows, and reviews are always appreciated.

Praise be to Cinder Fall