Got a burst of inspiration. Enjoy.

Innocence Lost

"Who are you and what have you done!?"

"Are you a White Fang affiliate?"

"Did you kidnap Blake!?"

"Cooperation is advised."

Sun was currently being held at…. Well scythe point at the moment by two girls. After causing a distraction by blowing one of the dust crates, he crept through the warehouse to avoid being seen. It took him longer than he wanted to reach the roof, avoiding detection was harder than it looked. After getting outside, he immediately went to the rooftop, hoping he could figure out where Blake was. He just didn't expect to be ambushed right as he reached the top. Right now, his hands were raised in surrender.

"Talk, dirtbag!" Demanded the scythe wielder. Sun really hoped Blake was doing alright. Now that he thought about it, she did look familiar.

"Hey, hey! Calm down, I'm not with the White Fang." He said, trying to pacify them.

"Then why are you here?" Asked the redhead. There was something odd about her that he couldn't place. She just seemed too… stiff.

"Why are you here?" He shot back, earning confused looks from both girls. Never fails to throw interrogators through a loop whenever he did that. They never expect their own questions directed back at them.

"We're here to rescue Blake." The girl with the scythe trained on his neck said, motioning her weapon for emphasis. That's right, she did say something about that while grilling him.

"Why are you looking for her?" From what Sun knew, she had a lot of enemies.

"We're her friends and teammates of Team Jabberwocky! Or Team Jabby according to Yang." The girl with the red cloak mumbled the last part, but he could still hear it over the rain. Blake did mention something about her team, but it was in passing.

Meh, good enough for him.

"Last time I saw her, she was inside the office." He started gently pressing the scythe away with his finger. "I was traveling with her. This whole thing was her idea." A white lie, but hey, it technically was. A gunshot rang from the warehouse. Oh, that can't be good…

"That must be Blake." He had to duck just to clear the blade as the girl turned on her heel and ran. The redhead grabbed his arm and forcibly dragged him across the rooftop. They stopped at the edge of the building, where the other girl was crouched behind a waist high wall. From there, they could see the bullheads and the White Fang members transporting cargo. It looked more chaotic down there now, with more yelling and people running back and forth.

"Alright, here's the plan." The reaper started. "I'm going to go down there and-"

"Let the bodies hit the floor." The ringtone caused her to yelp in surprised as she fished out her scroll. A whine escaped her as she pulled it out and saw the caller I.D. She thumbed the deny button and pocketed the device.

"Sorry, Yang. I'll call you later. Where was I? Oh yeah, the plan." She gazed over the area and the working White Fang. "Clean and simple is what my dad always says. We're going to go down there and make them surrender. Sound good…. What was your name again?" His interrogator was looking at him now.

"My name is Sun. What is yours, oh great hero." He laid the sarcasm on thick for emphasis, which earned him an annoyed look from her.

"Name's Ruby and this is my friend Penny." She motioned to the other girl who still had a vice grip on his arm.

"Hello, friend. I am combat ready!" Penny waived at him.

"Great! Sun, you've just been recruited for Plan: Save Blake and Kick Butt!" Penny pumped her fist in emphasis. What the hell was he just dragged into? "Phase one: Engage the enemy!" Ruby struck a pose that would suit a hero from those X-Ray and Vav comics. Only everything was damp, and her cloak wasn't dramatically billowing. "Phase two: Bring them to Justice! Any questions?"

Sun raised his hand. "I do. Can we change the plan?"

"Nope!" Ruby hoped onto the ledge and peered downward. "Onwards and upwards!" Jumping off the ledge, she brandished her scythe. Penny followed her friend off the roof, dragging Sun down to Remnant.

We just killed a man… The voice spoke as Jaune attempted to bring himself back together. He was still shaking and gagging in shock from what he had done. If there was any solace, the voice gave him something to focus on.

That was… Too easy… He thought. Disgustingly so. Jaune righted himself on his knees taking in gulps of air to calm himself. Grimm were solid, tough to cut through, and were numerous. Other Huntsman had Aura to protect them against harm, making it difficult to do real damage. But civilians? Soft. Weaklike he was without Aura. How could he forget?

"Jaune, you need to get up." Blake was beside him shaking his shoulder. "Someone probably heard the shot; we have to go. Now." She started dragging him to his feet, content on letting her guide him.

"I… I just killed someone Blake." He started, the reality finally starting to set in.

"Yeah, join the club. At least you have someone with you this time." The reply was terse as she swung the door outside open, shoving him through and following him out. Rain from the rooftop dripped on his equipment, washing away the blood on his sword. He could still remember the stench of blood and entrails. There was no way he could forget. "That thing is probably on her way. Gods, she was shorter than Ruby."

That was concerning. Blake calling someone shorter than Ruby.

Ruby…..

RUBY!

Jaune abruptly stopped, yanking Blake back who was holding him by the wrist. Ruby was still looking for Blake and had no idea she was leaving. No idea that the White Fang didn't have Aura. And knowing her…

Oh, this is bad…

Doesn't she have Penny with?

Fuck, this is bad. "Jaune, I know it's hard, but we need to keep moving." He looked up to her and could see the fear and anxiety in her eyes. She was barely doing better than him and was trying to get him out.

Aren't we supposed to be the leader? That voice reminded him of the fact. Jaune hated that it was right. "Ruby's still here, Blake." Trying to steel his resolve was proving more difficult than before.

"Fuck, I almost forgot." Blake started thinking.

"We need to find her before she jumps the gun again." He said, taking the lead and trying to reestablish his leadership role. Knowing her, it was only a matter of time before Ruby started playing hero. "Or before Roman finds her. Or before she accidently kills someone."

"I mean, it's possible she would just stay out of trouble, right?" Blake asked. Jaune just looked back at her as she weakly chuckled. "Yeah, that's not happening." Jaune and Blake creeped along the wall towards the garage entrance, trying to be as quiet as possible. It wasn't hard with all the ambient noise around.

"How many are there, Blake?" he asked, trying to focus himself with facts and strategizing. It was working better than he hoped.

"Fifty to sixty, I think. With Roman and some demonic chick with him." That piqued his interest.

"Demonic chick?"

"Yeah, had pink and brown hair and she was itching to cause pain."

"Noted." Roman was someone to avoid in his opinion, now he just had to look out for someone else. "Can you fight?" They were getting close to the edge and could see the bullheads. Masked individuals were bringing in containers from the warehouse and appeared frantic in their work. Most of them were out in the open, armed with either rifles, handguns, or melee weapons. Guess you can't be picky if you're a terrorist organization.

"I can hold my own. Just don't make me promise anything." Good enough for him. Jaune's thoughts went back to the corpse in the building. The man trying desperately to make himself whole again.

Mourn later, we have work to do.

Jaune shook the thoughts from his head, gaining enough clarity to see Roman walk out of the warehouse. The thief was talking to a masked man with spectacles, which was odd. Roman barked a laugh at the man and shooed him away, twirling his cane and sauntering towards the bullheads. Enter Ruby, falling from the sky and landing in front of him. Her scythe extended and ready for combat. Penny followed suite landing next to her, along with some else who had shaggy blonde hair and an open white shirt.

"Freeze! You are under arrest!" Ruby yelled leveling the scythe barrel at Roman. "Put your hands where I can see them!" Roman just smirked and showed his hands, still twirling the cane.

Gods damnit, Ruby…

"Well, of course, for such an upstanding citizen of myself. But my friends here…" He gestured to the surrounding White Fang activists, who were now leveling their weapons at Ruby. "Might have some grievances with that." Roman walked backwards towards the bullheads as the White Fang covered his retreat.

"We'll see about that! Get'em!"

"Ruby, no!" Jaune yelled, dashing from cover in hopes to stop her. But Ruby, as always, was just too fast to catch.

Enemies on all sides, surrounding the heroes in a circle of death. Just like one of the stories Ruby read when she was little. A smirk graced her features as she readied to launch herself to the nearest group of thugs. "Ruby, no!" Jaune tried to warn her, but Ruby didn't pay the warning much mind. She was a Huntress and knew how to take care of herself.

Legs trained for bursts of speed catapulted her towards the group of thugs. Gunfire responded to her movement, but her semblance made her intangible for the moment. It was a specialty for Ruby, controlling her semblance to the nearest millisecond to attack before dematerializing again. Crescent Rose reaped the villains with lightning-fast slashes as Ruby moved through them. She rematerialized behind the last criminal, skidding to a stop with her weapon held behind her in a superhero pose.

Her speed usually causes a difference in air pressure, generating wind toward her direction. Something warm and wet hit her back as the blowback caught up to her. It must have been the rain reflecting off her cloak, because she could see pools of red around her. She could hear Uncle Qrow's voice in her head telling her to keep moving. A barrage of bullets flew past her, prompting her to duck. That's when Ruby saw what hit her.

It was an arm. Separated from the rest of its body, cut cleanly at the bicep. "What…?" Ruby was confused at why it was there, a deep sense of dread filling her gut. She looked up; a trail of red led her eyes down the path of carnage. The White fang members she attacked were on the ground, their bodies ruined with deep gashes or fresh amputations. One was even missing a head, the detached part lying beside the lifeless owner. Looking down at the crimson path, she now realized it was blood.

Ruby's legs gave out beneath her as she stared at her first slaughter and her newest sin, wide silver eyes taking it all in. Horror, guilt, and something new she never felt before assaulted her sanity. Beyond it, she could see Penny tearing through White Fang militants with a fan of blades. Bodies, blood, viscera, and screams followed her friend wherever she went. Her white blouse and porcelain features were coated red, and Ruby could see her smiling through the massacre. Everything faded around her as she retreated into her own mind from the shock, with only one thought repeating itself.

What have I done?

Fuck, fuck, fuck. Things were going downhill way too fast for Jaune's liking. Ruby was on her knees, comatose from what it looked like. Why couldn't he have been faster? He looked over at Penny, who was currently creating White Fang minced meat over the asphalt as she danced between them with her blades. Thankfully, distracting the whole group away from Ruby.

I'm glad that monster's on our side.

Ditto.

Blake bolted from beside him into the fray, dodging gunshots as she headed straight for Roman, who was fighting the man with the open white shirt and blonde hair. He looked around at the clash and felt disgusted with himself. Why wasn't he doing anything? Why was he hesitating? Damnit Jaune, move! Swallowing and gritting his teeth, he forced his body forwards. Expanding his shield and drawing his sword, he made his way towards Ruby.

Bullets whizzed passed him as he ran out into the open. A spike of pain bloomed from his side from a lucky shot, sparking his Aura. He raised his shield in response only for a stray bullet to hit him in the knee, buckling his stride and lancing pain through his leg. Aura protected the joint, but still caused him to slip onto the tarmac. Rolling with the moment, his shield caught a volley of shots. His metal arm absorbed the impact with little effort, something he was thankful for.

Keep moving.

Remembering his training form Ren, Jaune made himself as small as possible and began sprinting to his partner. A masked man intercepted him with a cleaver, swinging for his head. Ducking beneath the blow, Jaune shoulder checked him. Jaune didn't want to kill again, not this soon. He felt a sickening crack from the man's body as he was shoved out of the way. More activists blocked his path and began surrounding him, brandishing blades and axes. A blow to his torso was blocked with his shield while another was parried with his sword.

Jaune disengaged and evaded another slash to his face from a machete. It occurred to Jaune that they were trying to kill him. A burly man, easily eclipsing Jaune, charged at him with a two-handed axe, bring it down over his head. His shield met the blade, diverting the attack to his side. Aura flared behind him as some slashed at his back, the pain making him stagger. He barely brought his sword up in time to block another swing from the axe, only for someone else to strike his leg.

The pain was manageable as Aura flared to protect it, but it still brought him to his knees. Something hit the side of his head, snapping his skull to the side. Jaune's vision swam as he tried to stay upright, vertigo attacking his senses. White masks surrounded him in fury. Blood obscured part of his vision, dripping down his face and staining his hair. It was pathetic really, him being killed by common thugs.

Why am I so weak?

Through the mass of bodies that slowly walled him, Jaune saw Ruby, still comatose and on her knees. Behind his partner, a girl with mixed colored hair and parasol was sauntering toward her. She looked like there wasn't a care in the world.

Demonic chick?

Yeah, had pink and brown hair and she was itching to cause pain.

Blake's description floored his mind as the pieces fit together.

She's going to kill her. The thought put his brain into overdrive, pumping adrenaline and slowing down his perception of time to a crawl. Scenarios flew through his mind, ways to get out and get to Ruby before the demon could get to her. There wasn't one where he didn't end up killing somebody. She was a few steps closer. Another blow struck his torso, driving the wind from his lungs. His armor caught most of the force, but there was still the ache.

Crocea Mors glinted in his vision, still bloodstained and sharp. The demon had a sadistic smile on her lips, framing her multicolored hair and eyes. More hesitation. Why couldn't he stop being weak? He made a plea to his body. To his mind, to his very being. Jaune could fight Grimm, but why not terrorists? It frustrated him. It angered him. Irritated at himself for his lack of ability, his lack conviction.

His lack of Drive.

Something in him snapped at that moment. Primal rage coursed through him as his sword lashed outwards, catching a man's leg, and buckling him to the ground. A scream escaped the victim's lips and Jaune's mind was clear now. He knew what he needed to do. Someone struck his back, but he ignored it. If Aura was a reflection of the soul, then he would have faith in his. His shield bashed the nearest person on his left as he stood up. A sickening crack was heard as the armor's edge smashed the individual's skull, twisting the head to an unnatural angle.

It freed up enough space for him to sidestep the next blow from the axe wielder, cratering the concrete. Reversing the grip on his sword, Jaune stabbed backwards. He felt the blade sink into flesh as he leaned back into it, using the body as cover. His senses were heightened, taking in the sounds of combat and the smell of gore. Two enemies were still in his way, Jaune's sight stained red from his own blood. The demon was taking her time, circling Ruby like a predator.

Clock's ticking.

He charged forwards, his shield forward just like Pyrrha taught him. The huge man swung the axe like a bat, attempting to intercept Jaune with the arc. Jaune met it head on with his shield, letting his bionic limb absorb the blow. It vibrated his body from the force, but he had an opening. Slashing upwards, Jaune nearly bisected the man, Crocea Mors running from the groin to his chin. Blood and viscera splattered against his grey coat and jeans, proof of a kill. A sharp pain dug into his ribs from the surviving assailant, snarling beneath the Grimm mask. The enemy's blade was pushing against his flickering Aura.

Mourn later, fight now.

Retracting his sword arm, Jaune elbowed the man's face, cracking the mask. Blood spat form his mouth as he tumbled to the ground. With no other obstacles in his way, he raced towards Ruby. Forgoing all stealth for speed, Jaune's boots hammered against the wet pavement. The demon was kneeled in front his partner, looking at her in thought. A protective instinct surged through him.

"Get away from her!" Jaune roared, charging the multicolored girl. With effortless grace, she twirled out of the way of his tackle. He hit the pavement, and rolled with the momentum, skidding to a stop. Crouched down protectively in front of Ruby, Jaune could see the mirth twinkling in the demoness's eyes. She was protected from the light drizzle with her parasol, leaving her ultimately untouched from the chaos around her.

Not even five feet from him, Jaune lashed out with his weapon. She leaned back lazily from the blade, missing her face by mere millimeters. He pressed the attack, trying to force her way from Ruby. It was infuriating how she flowed around his strikes, her unnatural grace making it look effortless. The way she sidestepped and dodged reminded him of Pyrrha. At least she was away from Ruby.

Stabbing at her torso, she twisted around his arm and stepped into his guard. Before he could react, she leaned forward, and a heeled boot smashed into his face. Jaune felt his nose crack from the impact, blood pouring out of it. He recoiled back involuntarily, blind to see her hook a foot around is ankle and pull. Jaune's back hit the asphalt. Instincts screamed at him to move. The heel that was meant for his face dug into the ground as he rolled away.

He could taste metal in his mouth as he got back up.

Why is it every girl I meet can kick my ass?

I think you have a type.

Bullshit. Not with her.

The demon seemed disinterested in him, looking over back at Ruby with a sadistic gleam in her eye. He spat out a wad of blood at her. The clot landed on her white boot, staining it crimson. Her eyes darted from Ruby to him instantly. Jaune could only smile with bloody teeth in response, and she reciprocated the expression in kind.

That got her attention.

It was a savage smile, like a predator finding new prey. He gestured his sword in a taunting manner. "That all you got, short stack?" Her eye twitched wiping away the smile, and angry scowl taking its place. Faster than Jaune's eyes could track, she lunged forward with her parasol past his shield. A hidden blade from the umbrella pierced his jacket but skidded of his metal shoulder in a shower of sparks. Heterochromia eyes widened in shock.

Jaune kept his grin as he moved with the force of the stab, angling his body next to hers. Dropping his sword, he opted for the more intimate approach. Her reflexes were fast as she tried to slip way, but she was too close. His open hand grasped her passing hair and snapped her head back, refusing to let her get away. The bladed parasol shot towards his face in response, tearing Aura against his neck and cheek.

Leaning back and losing the shield, Jaune dragged the demon onto the ground with him. It was the only way he saw to level the playing field. She tried to stay upright, but he weighed too much and had a fistful of her hair. Her weapon stabbed at him again, this time find purchase in his chest. He felt his Aura flicker then snap as the blade sunk just below his right collarbone. The pain pierced his being as it radiated through his torso. His Aura's level must've been lower than he thought.

Fortunately, he was high on adrenaline and was able to push past the anguish. With his metal hand, Jaune was able to tear the weapon away from her grasp with bionic strength. Life blood gushed from the wound as the blade tore free. He tossed it to the side, leaving them both weaponless. They rolled on the ground, wrestling for control as Jaune's heart hammered in his wounded chest. Their eyes were locked the whole time as they thrashed on the wet pavement, burning orbs of crimson stained sapphire challenging the mismatched oculi.

A strange tension was in the air, growing with every labored breath. Being in such close proximity, he could smell her strawberry shampoo beneath the scent of blood. Feel her warm body pressed against his own in their violent embrace. How small it was compared to him and flexible it was when it needs to be. It was at that moment he realized both of them wore feral grins as they gazed into each other. A deep understanding passing between them as they collided. It was easy to get lost in the primal moment.

Ruby's vacant face entered his vison as he rolled on top of the demon. The reason why he was doing this in the first place. Jaune looked away from the mesmerizing eyes and took in the scene around them. Penny was still dancing through the White Fang with her detached blades, butchering them with ease. Blake and her companion were still fighting Roman, evenly matched with the odds against him. She danced back away from a swing from Roman's cane as the other Faunus took her place.

"Blake!" He shouted with a hoarse voice, catching her attention. His teammate looked aback at him struggling with his opponent. "Ruby, now!" Was all he could get out before the demoness's nails dragged against his unprotected skull, leaving deep marks against his face. Jaune grit his teeth in pain as he looked back down at her and hoped that Blake understood. The mismatched eyes were angry at him, as if livid at the action of looking away from her. He could take the hate, keeping this bitch occupied was all he needed to do.

Jaune's body was spent though. His Aura broken, body wounded, and mind taxed, it took every hidden reserve of something to keep up the struggle. He knew he would lose; it was only a matter of time and keeping her at bay. His fading strength became apparent when she rolled him beneath her, gaining a dominant position in their grapple. Jaunes metal hand kept control of her wrist while his other tried to keep her body pinned to his.

He screamed in agony as she bit his open wound on his chest. The pain, in combination with his already overstrained system, slackened his hold on her. Like a victorious hunter, she arced her body free from him, flinging his blood with the motion. Licking her lips in satisfaction, a shudder surged through her body. Jaune's labored breathing was turning tortuous from the wound as the demoness looked down on him with that sadistic smile. Her outfit was stained with his blood, coating their clothing in dark crimson. He could feel the rattle of his lungs he laid there, exhausted and beaten.

Jaune felt an instant of relief as Blake passed behind them towards Ruby, limping as fast as she could. His enemy noticed they easy target behind her and moved to pursue. He couldn't let that happen. Pushing past his fatigued limits, Jaune reached out with his hand, grabbing her shoulder. Before she could get away and slammed her down into the blacktop with the last of his strength. She looked back at him with a surprised expression, shocked that he could still move.

"I'm not done with you yet." He rasped out and forced weakened muscles into action once more. Agony, adrenaline, and desperation was the second wind for his body, fighting to keep her there. Away from Ruby and away from his team. Just one more second, one more moment. The mantra repeated in his head, forcing everything past its limits. She still broke free though, after kneeing him in the gut and moving out of his reach. But victory was his. Jaune spotted Blake running away from them with Ruby on her shoulders and relief flowed through him. A dry chuckle escaped his lips as he starred back up at her, seemingly frustrated at her prey getting away. The noise caught her attention.

She turned back to him and flicked her disheveled hair behind her. Jaune could only watch as she made her way to her discarded weapon, sauntering over with a slow pace. Was this how he died? It made sense, he thought. The parasol was in her delicate hands now, the blade being inspected by her heterochromia orbs. Her lips were dyed crimson while the rest of her uniform was covered in grime, moisture, and blood from the ground. The demoness moved her head side to side while looking at him, mulling something over.

"Neo! Time's up!" Roman shouted, apparently done with fighting. The girl in front of him pouted at the news. With a silent sigh, she twirled her parasol onto her shoulder and shot him a wink before shattering into glass. Jaune could only blink in confusion. Away from him, he could hear shouting and the revving of Bullheads taking off. Fatigue, pain, and the beating of his heart overwhelmed his senses. Adrenaline was fading from his system, and it was becoming harder and harder to keep his eyes open.

Looking up from the ground, the sky appeared comfortingly dark. It soothed him as he laid on the cold tarmac. Voices were approaching him, but Jaune couldn't move. His eyes drifted shut, finally giving in to the pull of sweet oblivion.

I love a good cliffhanger. Anyway, this fic has a pairing and the poll is on my Bio somewhere. Also, can anyone recommend me some cover art for the Fic? I hate that it's blank. Until next time.