Author's Note: Sorry it took so long. Was busy updating Trials In Life. Had to think of what I want to happen for this story so I can work on it to finish the chapter. Especially for Lancaster.

I really hope everyone enjoys it.

—-

Ruby noticed that Blake seemed to be frantic. She desired to make sure that everything was perfect as long as the huntsman, Jaune Arc, was staying at the inn. There was nothing but the peak of tourism. Everyone wanted to book a room in Patch when learning a huntsman was staying there. The lack of privacy was a big factor for someone like Jaune Arc to continue staying at the inn.

With the huntsman insisting on staying there, it meant protection had to be more secure. Blake kept busy around the clock to make sure everything was perfect in Jaune Arc's quarters. Jaune addressed that there wasn't a need to worry. He had huntsman technology to prevent such occurrences.

It's only been a few days. The mayor seemed to come around to try to persuade Jaune Arc though he didn't give much reason why? Ruby thought it was so the huntsman could stay in Patch longer. She could see it, the longer he stayed in town. The more visitors would come and see it as a tourist attraction.

A huntsman can only be on Remnant for so long. Once their mission was complete. This was someone everyone on Remnant knew. Apparently, accept her. Ruby didn't understand why but felt a sense of purpose. She didn't want that to be taken away from her. Maybe it's more that Ruby Rose didn't want Jaune Arc to leave as well.

"You have certainly been busy as of late." Ruby remarked. There was a sad tone in her voice that caused Blake to stop. Blake sighed. She's been using the inn more as an excuse for why she couldn't spend as much time with Ruby.

"Sorry, Ruby. It's just with a huntsman in Patch. It's going to be harder to spend time together. The mayor is going to provide extra security because that huntsman, Jaune Arc, insists on staying here."

"I understand. It's just there's not much to talk to. People are coming to the bakery because they want to provide offerings as gifts. Even if it gets overwhelming. It's nothing I can't handle. We're both really busy. However, I want to talk with that huntsman because-"

"Is this because you want to ask about your past? He's a huntsman. I don't think he would have many answers for you." Blake interrupted. She knew that most huntsmen can't give her much information and she didn't want to send her off into danger to seek it either.

"I guess, you're right. It's just hard to not remember much. I just feel a connection to him. Like I had one with you." Ruby confided in Blake. "I really think a huntsman can give me answers. This is why I want to talk with Jaune Arc. I guess I will just go upstairs to get some rest." Ruby sighed. She had made her way to the bedroom, while her thoughts continued to ponder over what Blake said.

Blake had been waiting for this day. Namely, with her own secrets that she had kept hidden. Some were about to come to the surface. This is why she needed to have a talk with Jaune Arc.

—

Jaune Arc glanced at the book that was given to him by Oscar. He looked through his notes on the table to find any clues. Trying to get a hint to what this treasure that he was seeking. There was no map or anything to guide him for this mission. So was he just supposed to know. It was more a clue that was given to him on a piece of parchment.

Find the path to the heart, a jewel awaits that will guide you down the path.

It was bewildering. What did this mean? Nothing but frustration felled him as he was the one that he had to figure himself out. It was better not to think about it. No matter how hard he tried, his mind drifted to the beautiful girl he met at the inn. Jaune was captivated by this girl, Ruby Rose. He didn't understand why, but he just felt drawn to her. It was more than just a physical attraction but a connection that seemed mysterious.

"You don't have time to think about her…..focus Jaune focus." Jaune told himself. He couldn't allow distractions. Not when he had a mission to complete. That trinket that Ruby Rose carried had to be a piece that led to the key he needed. Would it make sense for a jewel to be a dust crystal? It was a form of magic. Someone like Ruby wouldn't be able to even activate it without aura. It would be easier for them to believe it was a jewel.

This leads to a problem. Jaune couldn't simply explain to Ruby the type of item she possesses. Mortals like her wouldn't be able to locate them on Remnant. Unless someone important gave it to her. Did Ruby Rose have a connection to another huntsman in the past? Someone like her wouldn't adventure outside of Patch because of the dangers. Jaune knew he had to find answers, namely evidence before even reporting anything to Oscar. While this was something Jaune complied with right away. Even though Jaune knew he wasn't going against orders.

Oscar Pine wanted any input if a mortal on Remnant had a connection to any huntsmen. While rumors circulated about disappearance after not coming back from missions. It was speculated that 'demons' were behind it. At least from the stories that were reported back from missions around Remnant.

This always made Jaune reflect on Pyrrha. Did Oscar intentionally use Pyrrha's vanishment? It could motivate other huntsmen for their own missions. Using Pyrrha as a martyr because she was one of the strongest huntresses since the New Age. That her possible death can't be in vain. Jaune could only feel remorse because it was his actions that led to it. It was his responsibility as a leader. Instead, Pyrrha took it as a sole mission. Even with her capabilities, Pyrrha shouldn't have gone off alone.

Yet, he was a hypocrite for doing the same as Pyrrha had done. Though one purpose was to find Pyrrha since he had to travel through Remnant for the mission. Jaune didn't want to drag anyone else because of his own fears. It's the reason he didn't want Ren and Nora to come with him.

"I soon got to send a report in." Jaune told himself as he laid on his bed. He knew there was still time. It was more a clarification to what was going on with his mission. It was routine that Jaune was used too. Gather data through the scanner on his scroll. Then writing up a report about new information. That was the problem because what if he had to send details about that girl Ruby Rose. Namely, about her dust fragment. "Oscar Pine or Ozpin. What would they even say?" Jaune didn't want to think more about it. He turned off his scroll before closing his eyes as he drifted to sleep.

—-

Blake had been waiting to speak with the huntsman, Jaune Arc. She had to wait for them to be alone. It would be a burden she could get off her chest. Noticing that Jaune Arc was going to head upstairs. She grew worried about him encountering Ruby. What things could lead to their attraction? "Mr. Arc. Do you mind if we speak for a moment? If you don't mind."

"Sure, it's not a problem." Jaune nodded. He seemed bewildered on what the innkeeper would be asking him. It was more likely just asking for more information that he may have left out in her sign in book.

"This may seem surprising." Blake glanced around to make sure that no one was listening in. She stepped back before taking a deep breath. The words finally slipped out as she confessed. "Everyone seems quiet. The truth is I am a huntsman like you are Jaune Arc.".

"You're a huntress. How do you keep it a secret?" Jaune questioned, while raising an eyebrow. "I don't think there are any reports."

"That's because it's more of a secret mission. I do send out reports but in a special file. Considering you're going on your own. It's not surprising." Blake explained to Jaune. She crossed her arms before laying back against the wall. "Or you weren't aware you were on one."

"Noo…. I mean. I did find it strange that-"

"Oscar Pine or Ozpin. They didn't want you to go with your teammates. I mean I never really had a team. I was more considered a specialist if huntsmen had categories. More likely they want to place you in one as well." Blake continued to explain. "Though secret missions aren't all as expected."

"I don't want to be separated from my team. Nora and Ren. They're like my family." Jaune frowned.

"Don't worry. What they sent you on could be a trial mission…maybe. It has to be important that only someone like you can handle it. Especially with other huntsmen disappearing. They picked you because you're one of the best. At least from what I heard the stories from passing huntsmen. Some that at least know about my mission. They come to visit to give me supplies. You have quite an impressive resume." Blake added. She was impressed to meet someone with skills with someone like Jaune's.

"Thanks. How long have you been here on Remnant? If you don't mind me asking." Jaune questioned. "It can't be more than a few months."

"Maybe a year. I think it's been longer now." Blake addressed. "Also, there's more than just that." Blake takes off her black ribbon to reveal her cat ears. "I am also a Faunus. It's not that I was trying to hide my animal trait. It's more for me to blend in, so I can be like everyone else. I won't stand out because I would be the only Faunus in this small town of Patch. I wouldn't be able to focus on my own mission. Not only that, but I don't think the people would be afraid of me. They would more likely treat me like a goddess. Worship me. More so if I revealed that I am a huntress."

"It's because you want to focus on your mission. That Oscar Pine asked of you." Jaune nodded. He understood that Blake couldn't reveal any of this information.

"Exactly. I can't reveal too much of my mission. Much like you can't reveal your own. Ozpin was the one to tell me to stay on Remnant. Though I think more is involved. Even if I am just doing as I am ordered."

"Is looking after Ruby Rose part of it?" Jaune questioned.

"About that Jaune Arc. It may be best if you try to keep your distance from her. Ruby Rose wants to find out more on who she is. This could lead to disaster. I'm just afraid she's going to chase after you. Besides, I can see you're attracted to Ruby. Who knows how long you'll stay in Patch? I don't want this as something you'll regret. Like getting into bed with her." Blake continued to tease. Much to Jaune's embarrassment.

Jaune's face turned bright red. "Something like that. Ridiculous. I just want to ask her some questions. I need it for my mission."

"I was just teasing." Blake giggled. "You know that it's against the rules for huntsmen. That we can get attached to mortals. Humans that don't possess any abilities. This could be costly. You can lose your immortality. You're special abilities. Everything that makes you a huntsman. You just can't fall in love. Remember that Jaune Arc."

Neither of them was aware at this point, Ruby was down the hallway. She went over near the staircase. Ruby creeped slowly, not to make a sound when she stepped to alert them. It was already wrong to eavesdrop. Being her friend Blake and the huntsman, Jaune Arc were having a conversation. Maybe it was her intent to get to know the huntsman because she found herself drawn to him. Blake could hear Ruby's footsteps with her Faunus ears. Quickly putting her black ribbon over to hide them.

"Is it wrong for me to stay away? For it to be forbidden?" Jaune questioned. While it sounded like he was asking this to Blake. Can he even have a romance with Ruby Rose without falling for her? That really seemed impossible. "Love shouldn't be that way."

"You're really sweet. I like that about you." Blake smiled. She puts a hand on his shoulder. Quickly giving him an embrace. She knew Ruby had an interest in Jaune Arc. To protect her friend, she had to attempt to keep her distance from him. Even if it meant hurting her Ruby. "Just be careful."

Ruby had tears in her eyes, while holding her chest. Why did words cause her so much pain? Was Jaune Arc and Blake falling for each other?. It caused nothing but heartache. She didn't understand why it caused her heartache, but she just wanted it to go away. Ruby wondered if she was keeping a secret from her. It would make sense if Jaune Arc visited Remnant they would be acquainted with each other. She couldn't bear to listen to the conversation any longer. Ruby went up the stairs before heading to her bedroom. Slamming the door as Ruby embraced her pillow.

Was she nothing more than a fool?

It took her time before she managed to get to sleep. Ruby dreamed of the huntsman that she was attracted to. Her heart desired to be closer to him and for now that's what gave her comfort.

—-

The Next Day.

Jaune Arc wanted to talk with Ruby like he promised. This led to a problem since everyone in Patch was basking for his attention. Whether be the mayor that was given him details on the problems in Patch or asking about protection at the festival. Girls were swooning over him, even the young mothers. Watching as Jaune played and interacted with the children. With all the flirting and cooked meals, they presented to him.

For a huntsman, since they were immortal there wasn't a need to have children. There were very few in the past century that were born. No one knew what would happen if they even conceived a child with a mortal on Remnant. However, the concept of being a father. To have a family of his own. Was it wrong to feel happiness over the

After some time, Jaune saw Ruby Rose from a distance. He could feel like his heart was pounding out of his chest, while continued to be captivated by her. Jaune kept telling himself that this was part of his mission. Though the Mayor's intrusion didn't help matters. Holden Blackwood was an advisor to the mayor. Basically, the past few days have been following him around. Jaune did find it rather bizarre since this didn't happen in other towns.

"Are you still watching that girl?" Holden Blackwood looked on with disapproval. "I mean glancing from afar is fine. I just hope you don't get too attached. You know loving a mortal is forbidden, isn't that right huntsman."

"I don't know what you're talking about." Jaune asks while continuing to be in a daze. While he kept his eyes on Ruby. He acted as if he wasn't paying attention to what the mayor's advisor had to say. "I just feel connected to that girl. Though, I don't know why I am telling you this. It's really none of your business."

"Honestly, I don't know why you even care for this girl. She's more something" Jaune hands clenched into fists as his anger grew. It was like a candle flame that grew in size. "She's a nobody. The girl shouldn't be of importance to someone of your status. She just recently came to Patch."

"You mean Ruby Rose. . ." Jaune quickly corrects him. It bothered him a great deal over the lack of attention and disrespect someone like Ruby was receiving from this town. Why wouldn't they care for a girl like her, when she easily is the talk of the town. Especially when it has been so recent. Did Ruby Rose not want the attention? Was this part of some grimm activity? "I don't really know about her past. "There's more to her than meets the eye. At least from when I meet her at the inn. I want to know more about her. Regardless of your opinion."

"Ruth–I mean Ruby Rose. She was found in the forest by travelers. The girl was in an outfit that seemed more for battle that appeared torn. Strange thing was she had no visible injuries. From the rumors, even ridiculous ones claim she healed them herself. It's really nonsense because only Huntsmen can produce aura." Jaune eyes widened for a moment. No, he didn't want to think that this girl was once a huntress. While they have disappeared there's no record of anyone with Ruby Rose's name. "It appeared to be more that she developed amnesia after a head injury, once she regained consciousness. The girl knew nothing but her name."

Jaune's eyes widened. It could explain how she gained a dust crystal shard if she traveled in the past. Either it was something that Ruby Rose found or obtained. Was she a mortal that did combat? It seemed strange since most humans on Remnant didn't appear capable of battle. Relying on huntsmen to fight the evils that befell the surface. "This girl may be of great importance. Even give me answers. That's why I need to speak with her."

"I don't see any need." Unknowingly, Holden Blackwood's eyes glowed for a brief moment as he grabbed Jaune's arm. Though quickly faded as soon as Jaune removed his arm from his grasp. Despite his suspicions, Jaune kept telling himself that this was all part of his mission.

"I'm not asking for your permission." Jaune protested. He forced his arm out of Holden's grasp before heading off. Without a second thought, he heads off to talk with Ruby.

"The master won't be happy with this." Holden mutters. "Everything will be set into motion soon enough."

—-

Author's Note: That's the end of the chapter. I wanted to leave everything in suspense so that everyone would be wanting more. Especially with what's going on with Holden Blackwood. Does this involve the grimm? This could play importance with progress in Jaune/Ruby's relationship….after all. A starter villain is needed to introduce the grimm and such…. especially with the mistaken belief for Ruby. That Blake is interested in Jaune. Not knowing that her friend is a huntsman as well. Will this be cleared up?

Blake like in most of my stories wanting to protect Ruby...from prevent her from being with Jaune. However will their love being forbid? That could only make you want it more...perhaps?

Please read/review! It motivates me to read comments ... .so please do. Thanks so much for reading.