*Clover PoV*

'What.'

'The.'

'Hell?!'

These three words were the only ones he could manage to string together within his mind as he crouched there frozen with his sword still in the ground trying to understand what he was witnessing.

The boy now encased in a wreathe of metal golden and blue looking like the knights of old had just broken out of a wire that could hold down even an alpha Ursa easily. It wasn't just some Nano-Carbon with some titanium, it was a massive amount of Nano-Carbon compressed down in size thanks to gravity dust, which then after was used to coat Grade 5 Titanium. Until recently grade 4 Titanium was their strongest type, but the scientists back at Atlas used dust to somehow achieve a higher grade. This by itself was insane because Grade 4 titanium was the strongest pure grade titanium, but it was also the least moldable. Still, it had a good cold formability, and it has many medical and industrial uses because of its great strength, durability and weldability. The kid had just snapped all that like it was fishing wire.

He could feel a bead of sweat make its way down his brow as the reality of the kids feat began to set in.

The kid was still standing there unmoving. He could see Harriet to his left still quite a way from the house also stood still. The scuffle had dragged them further away from the house and into the expansive back yard. Despite the non movement from the kid his instincts were yelling that this kid was a threat, he would need to signal to Harriet to make a break for the house, if they could just get one non combative target, they could-

He was gone!

*Crunch*

"AAGHHHHH"

'Fuck!' I thought as I turned to my left and barely managed to move out of the way as Harriet's body passed flying right through where I was standing.

Good thing I had dodged, because as Harriet impacted one of the trees she reduced it to splinters. I saw her aura flash meaning she was probably fine, but could've sworn I had caught a glimpse of her arms being mangled as she passed by. Can't think of that, right now I had to focus.

I turned my attention towards where Harriet came flying from, and sure enough the kid was standing there. He was observing his hand as if it was the first time he had seen them.

Clover had an idea as to what this was. The awakening of a semblance, and unfortunately for him the kid just had to have something this powerful.

He gripped his sword rod thing, now missing the hooked end, and prepared himself. He was no longer in this fight to win, he was very likely going to fight to survive. The kid had been quite worn after his fight with them. This meant that even with the awakening of his semblance he shouldn't be able to last long. Clover just had to survive until the kid ran out of energy.

He began to move by attempting to jump back to create some distance between himself and the kid. It was an attempt because his heel caught on an indent in the ground and made him fall backwards. How lucky of him since the next second he was looking up at the kid now in front of him with his fist outstretched in the direction he would've moved had he not stumbled.

Just as he was about to hit the ground from the stumble he used his momentum and rolled backwards before standing up with his weapon at the ready.

There was a bead of sweat trailing down his brow as Clover realized his semblance of good luck was probably on overdrive keeping him alive.

If he was honest he was fucked. No two ways about it. He couldn't follow the movement of the kid at all and if he dodged then it would be by luck, but how long until it ran out.

Jolted out of his musings he saw the kid outstretching his now weaponless, but instead armored hand. Clover readied himself.

...

...

...

Nothing happened and an awkward silence came down upon the backyard, not even the crickets were chirping. Probably dead from cringe.

Uncaring of the mood, Jaune brought his arm back and outstretched it again, doing so a few times. Each time achieved nothing except makes Clover's nerves fray.

'Maybe I CAN get out of this alive' Clover thought to himself a bit amused at the situation despite his very much still present predicament.

It stopped being funny with the kids next two words.

"Chains of Fate"

A strange sensation flowed through Clover, it began from his center back and went through his chest and suddenly there was a chain there. It was glowing yellow and a bit transparent. Worse yet it extended all the way to the kids hand where he held a length of the links.

'Shit' Clover thought as he quickly began trying to get the chain off. Using force did not do anything and even striking it with his weapons was useless. It made him feel strange too. Whenever he struck it the impacts would reverberate through his body as if it were a part of him. He did all this in a few seconds and as he realized how useless his attempts were he looked back up at his enemy.

The kid was still holding on to the chain, that removed any chance of him evading his blows, he doubted even his luck would help there. Time to attempt diplomacy.

"Look kid- I mean Jaune. We got off on the wrong foot. How about we just talk things out for a bit." Clover spoke.

Seeing no response, but also no retaliation he continued.

"We were here on an assignment. There was never a real threat to you or your family and to be completely clear with you we just needed to bring in your family for a bit of questioning, after which we would have released you all." Clover spoke in half-truths with missing details.

Seeing as the Arc was letting him speak he had two options. Ask for forgiveness and possibly be exposed when questioned or try to pressure the kid so that he may still salvage the mission. On one hand while the kid was strong he was also the naive type, but his grandfather was another story which would mean Clover's failure in the mission. On the other hand since the kid was naive he could try and throw his rank around and have empty threats such as the full might of Atlas coming down on him and his family if he kept resisting, this would help strongarm him into going with him willingly.

A tug on his chain brought him out of his momentary pause. With a resolute face Clover made his decision and spoke.

"Listen kid. Right now you're in the way of an official kingdom sanctioned mission. We needed to bring you and your family in just for a bit of questioning, but if you keep resisting the full might of Atlas will target you and your family. So-" Clover did not finish speaking as he was violently yanked by the chain attached to his chest and what felt like his back.

He was sent flying towards the young Arc, and although other people might be disoriented Clover was captain for a reason and added to this his familiarity with pulling himself by his weapon's hook and line all allowed him to stabilize himself midair and attempt to slash a Jaune with an attack once he reached him.

It was a good attempt, but useless all the same.

His weapon clashed again the kids armored form and sparks flew, but the kid was unmoved and resolute as he said the following words and attacked.

"Destiny Breaker"

The attack landed right in Clover's midsection, specifically where the chain was sprouting from. Clover didn't notice anything else as white blinding pain filled his mind.

He didn't get to see the mirage of a red blade passing through his chest also shatter in the same ways his chain had. Had he not been feeling blinding pain he might've felt a sense of lightness as if a weight he didn't know he had were lifted off him.

He didn't manage to see much as he created a crater on the dirt with his body even as his aura flashed from the impact.

He didn't even manage to form his final thoughts that would later become the thoughts of, 'Damnit of course he can also attack through aura' before darkness took his vision.

*Jaune PoV*

Standing alone in the backyard Jaune began to pant in exhaustion as he fell to his knees, that last attack to everything he had.

His armor glittered away in golden particles and assembled into the form of Crocea Mors at his side.

He had nothing left in the tank. He had gone beyond, but still he had one thing left to do.

He grabbed Crocea Mors and stabbed the sword into the ground for stability as he stood up, he turned in the direction of the house and began his shuffle towards it.

He needed to make sure his family was safe.

He honestly doubted any person would get past his grandfather, but what if they didn't engage him? What if they just slipped by him to target the others?

With those worrisome thoughts clouding his mind he began to try and quicken his pace only to stumble and begin to fall.

"Careful" A strong and grizzled voice called out to him as his body impacted another instead of the ground and an arm held him in place.

Jaune looked up and saw his grandfather. A rare and small smile cracking through his constantly stern visage.

"Well done Jaune. You have made me proud."

With those words Jaune stopped fighting to stay awake and let darkness close its grip upon him.

He was safe and so was the rest of his family.

*Yamamoto PoV*

As I looked upon my youngest student resting in my arm I couldn't control the small ember of pride that showed itself upon my face.

He had already awakened his zanpaktou.

With shinigami that act often took centuries and for the truly gifted in the Soul Society it took decades. Yet right here after the equivalent of a few years of training his student had unlocked it.

Honestly with how strong that human brat back in the soul society was and how fast Jaune was improving he began to wonder if something about being still human or still alive helped them achieve the first release of their sword faster.

He could celebrate later though, maybe once the boy was awake. For now he had to attend business.

"Marrow." He called out.

The dog faunus landed beside him. With him he had most of his teammates in his arms. He seemed to be struggling to hold them all though.

"What's up" Marrow responded.

"Put them down and restrain them. Afterwards when I come back out I want you to contact your boss for me."

"Alright I can do the call, but how am I supposed to restrain five fully trained huntsmen?"

"Earlier your captain stated the wire for his sword was extremely tough. Use the remains of that and tie them up in a bunch."

"Alright." and with that Marrow got to work.

Yamamoto turned towards the house and began his journey to Jaune's room.

His journey was quickly interrupted by the congregation of the entire family in the dining room. They stared at him expectantly and in surprising union as if all were asking a question.

"Jaune is fine" Yamamoto quickly answered.

A collective sigh of relief could be heard.

"He just needs to rest as he is very tired. Don't worry about the outside I will take care of it. Tomorrow we will speak, it's still time for you youngsters to be asleep."

Quite a few made movements to argue or disagree, but before any of them could a voice cut through.

"He's right." Violet stated. "You all should be asleep right now."

The kids still wanted to argue, but one good glare from her sent them running to their rooms.

"Still got it." She said to herself before facing Yamamoto and asking "Was he ever in any danger"

Yamato shook his head.

"No, I already knew they had been around for a while and allowed them to stay as it would prove a good learning opportunity for Jaune. They were also aiming to capture instead of kill, but if he were to ever be in real danger I would have stepped in."

Violet let out a huge sigh of relief as tension bled away from her form. "I'm glad to hear that. Now do you know what this whole thing is about? Those people looked highly trained."

"I'll be getting to the bottom of it soon. For now take Jaune to his room, he needs rest."

"Very well, but I want answers in the morning."

"And you shall have them."

With that he handed Jaune over to his mother and watched them vacate the dining room.

With Jaune taken care of he moved his way outside again.

There Marrow was standing near the trees by his tied up and unconscious teammates. He had a scroll in his hand and seemed to be waiting.

He perked up once he saw Yamamoto.

"Alright, I'm ready to make the call."

Yamamoto nodded and gave him the go ahead.

Marrow clicked on his scroll a few times and after a while it appeared to be calling. He handed it off to Yamamoto who held it to his face.

Eventually it connected and the person on the screen spoke.

"Operative Marrow what is the statu-" he paused realizing that the person on his screen was NOT his agent.

"Who are you? Where is Marrow?" He quickly fired out.

Yamamoto narrowed his eyes as he took in the face of the man that ordered movement against his family.

"My name is Yamamoto Genryusai, a name you should already be familiar with seeing as you've had your operatives watching us for almost a year"

"Preposterous. I would have no reason to do such a thing. Now I demand you tell me the status of Marrow or you will have the full weight of the military of Atlas bearing down on your head."

Yamamoto didn't even acknowledge the threat and responded, "It seems you are choosing to act ignorant. It matters not, and as for your little operative as well as the rest of your squad, they are indisposed at the moment."

"I still don't know what you're talking about, but this is a major crime against the kingdom of Atlas. To do such things as attack a force from another kingdom in Vale territory could even lead to war."

Yamamoto narrowed his brow. The fool would act ignorant until the end. It wouldn't matter. He would just have to bring it up in person.

"Now surrender yourself or face-" Yamamoto crushed the scroll and dropped the pieces not allowing even another word.

"My scroll!!!" Marrow cried out.

Yamamoto ignored his cry and asked.

"In what direction is Atlas from here?"

Marrow clutching the remains of his scroll with great sadness just pointed in a North Eastern direction.

"Good, and where would I find this General Ironwood of yours once in Atlas?"

"He should be in the tallest building towering over the city." Marrow despondently answered while uselessly trying to gather the remains of his scroll.

"Very well. I shall be paying your general a visit. Do keep out of trouble, alright." Yamamoto said releasing a tiny bit of his spiritual pressure to get his point across.

Marrow immediately straightened up and said, "Yes sir!"

With a nod Yamamoto disappeared.

*Ironwood PoV*

'This is the worst possible outcome' Ironwood thought to himself as he was sat at his desk and stared at a screen that he'd recently just be talking through.

He had severely underestimated that old man. Who could blame him? No hunter in history had become a threat when missing a limb. Sure there might be a few with prosthetics as he himself could attest, but that man did not have such an advantage.

This was bad. Ironwood was 99% sure that they had hit a dead end with the case, but he wanted to at least have something positive to show to the council who would be asking what their resources were spent on. Possibly recruiting an extremely strong ally would have also endeared him further in the circle of those who knew of Salem. Unfortunately acting forcefully had been a bad move, and Ironwood doubted Ozpin would allow his a massive move of his military upon Vale. Plus he would lose face with the rest of the council if one of his best squad was found to have lost to an old man with a missing arm.

He quickly activated his semblance. He needed it now more than ever. As clarity washed over him he considered his next steps. A few measures would need to be taken, but the most important one right now would be to contact Ozpin and get his help to cover this up. It wouldn't take too much and although it would put him in Ozpin's debt, the man rarely ever used them. He would contact him and ask him to have Qrow or some of the other man's pieces ascertain what happened to his squad and possibly bring in that old man. He sincerely doubted in the latter happening.

He shifted away from the screen on which he had received Marrows call and began to call Ozpin.

After a few seconds the call went through and a tired looking Ozpin could be seen on the screen.

"James Ironwood do you have any idea what time it is?"

"I do and I wouldn't be calling if it wasn't important."

The gravity in his voice made Ozpin shake off the lingering edges of sleep on his mind.

"What happened?"

"I've lost the entirety of the Ace Operatives."

"What?!"

"Yes, the lead with the button actually led me further and I chased it for over a year. Unfortunately I hit a dead end, but I had found someone with incredible strength that I deemed worthy to bring into the fold."

"That's not your decision to make James. Something like that would require the notice and consent of all those in the know."

"I know Ozpin, which is why I was planning on only letting them know after I informed you and the others, but after I had them recruited."

"And recruiting them somehow involved the entirety of the Ace Operatives somehow." Ozpin said looking unimpressed

"Yes. The target has incredible prowess as it can be proven by my entire missing squad, so I wanted to make sure I had the upper hand in dealing with them."

"Putting your underhanded methods aside. I don't see how I could help you with this issue James. Wouldn't it be better for you to mobilize the Atlas military to apprehend this individual?"

"I cannot"

"Why?"

"...Because it would cause an international incident with the Kingdom of Vale"

"..." Ozpin stood silent on the video call and could be seen beginning to massage his temples.

"... Ozpin."

"You mean to tell me that you not only overextended your reach and lost your operatives, but also had them operating in Vale without my notice?"

"Look Ozpin, I just wanted to make sure I was t chasing a false lead that would waste the time of the other members and-"

"Damnit James! Once this incident is over we WILL be speaking about boundaries. For now tell me what it is you need before you unveil other things you've done without regard for me or the Kingdom of Vale."

Ironwood nodded. This was a good result, although Ozpin would be mad for a while he would cool off. He always did.

"I need you to send Qrow along with a squad of professional hunters to capture the targets whose files I will be sending."

"Targets?"

"Yes, the main target is too strong so we will be attacking him via proxy. Be careful to-"

"It seems you still have not learned." A grizzled voice cut off Ironwood. It wasn't from Ozpin. Turning around Ironwood barely even managed to react as glass shatter and he was slammed violently against his desk.

"JAMES!" Came Ozpin's yell from the screen, Ironwood could do nothing except let out choked gasp as a hand held him down against his desk by the throat.

"You failed once already and still you attempt once again to attack me through others."

The figure holding him down was the old man from the file his operatives had sent overtime. He knew of his fabled speed, but an entire continent's worth of travel in a few minutes was utterly ridiculous, and that wasn't accounting for how he made it onto Atlas.

"Unhand him!" Came Ozpins voice through the monitor making the old man look towards the screen.

"No." The answer was as simple as it was damning for him.

"Sir please. While I'm not sure who you are or if you're one of hers I'm sure we can talk this out."

"No, his life is forfeit. He attempted to target me through my family."

Ozpin had a look of surprise on his face and asked, "James is this true?"

There was silence for a brief moment before the old man slightly released the grip on his neck allowing him to breathe and talk.

"In- *Cough* In a *Cough* manner of speaking." Was all he managed to get out before the grip on his throat became a vice again.

"*Sighhhh* Damnit James" Ozpin muttered.

"As you can see, I am only here to defend what I must." the old man spoke

"How will killing him be defending yourself?" Ozpin asked, he was probably trying to buy time to think of something.

"It will be cutting a problem that may arise in the future." and with those words the old man raised him into the air this time completely cutting off his air flow and his hand clenched at his neck.

"WAIT! I'M THE HEADMASTER OF BEACON ACADEMY AND A MEMBER OF VALES COUNCIL IM SURE I CAN BARTER FOR HIS LIFE." Ozpin yelled through the screen.

The old man ignored him and stared down James as his vision began to darken.

"AND I WILL GUARANTEE THAT HE'LL NEVER GO AFTER YOU EVER AGAIN"

With those words the old man's grip loosened and Ironwood dropped to the floor struggling to breathe as he held his neck.

"Oh?" said the old man as he turned to look at the screen.

Ozpin looked frazzled but relived through the screen. The old man spoke again.

"Pray tell how you will achieve this. From what I heard of your conversation he had his agents in your kingdom right under your nose."

Ozpin looked troubled at that and paused for a few seconds before saying, "We will keep him within Beacon Academy"

'Shit!' Ozpin was planning to destroy his authority by keeping him in Beacon with himself. He was basically going to be under house arrest and babysat. Maybe he could convince him otherwise.

"Ozpin wait, let's not be hast-" and suddenly an incredible amount of weight slammed into him cutting off whatever he was going to say as his body tried to become one with the floor.

"James!" Ozpin called out over the screen.

"Hmm you still do not know your place" said the old man.

"Damnit! James just be quiet! I'm trying to save your life here, anything else is secondary!" Ozpin called out.

"Hnrgg" Was all he could respond as he attempted to push against the weight.

"...good enough" muttered Ozpin tiredly as he began to focus back on negotiations with the old man. They were very one side seeing as he held all the cards with Ironwood's life hanging in his hands. So Ozpin simply said, "What do you want?"

The old man took a short moment to answer.

"I want the surveillance on my house to end. I had been merciful despite noticing them long ago as they hadn't moved against me or mine, but now if I spot anyone surveying the house I will dispose of them. Permanently."

"Very well" agreed Ozpin.

"After that I want my student to be accepted into Beacon."

Ozpin looked surprised before stating, "I'm sorry but that's going to be more difficult. The academy is for hunters and as such it will be very dangerous. I cannot in good conscience send someone into danger via favoritism." he ended with a resolute look.

"Good, but I did not mean to accept in such a way. He hasn't attended any combat school, but since I have personally trained him I want him to be allowed to take the entrance exam. Should he fail that will be on him."

Ozpin nodded, "That is more than acceptable. Will there be anything else?" he asked hoping that was it.

"Finally I want a few favors to call upon whenever I may need."

"That's asking for a lot, I mean with such a vague number of favors and that much power with the influence I hold that would be dangerous if left unchecked and-"

"Urghh!" Yelled out Ironwood as the weight pressing down on him increased massively.

Ozpin got the message real quick, "Fine! Fine! I agree! Now please let him go."

Finally Ironwood could breathe. He was still laying on the floor gasping for breath as the old man spoke to him.

"Consider yourself lucky whelp. Had it not been for your friend your life would have been forfeit and had you met me earlier in my life you would not have even had the chance to beg." He spoke and just as quickly vanished.

"Hello?" called Ozpin from the screen. "Hello?"

gasp* *gasp*

"James... just who did you mess with?"

He pushed himself up from the floor and into his desk. Still gasping he answered.

"A *gasp* monster."

"Is he one of hers?"

"I doubt *gasp* it." Or else she'd have won long ago he left unsaid.

"Damnit James, go get treated we can discuss things tomorrow properly."

Ironwood took a deep breath as he needed Ozpin to clearly hear this, "Ozpin, he was near Vale just a few minutes ago and then he was here. From what he said he also heard us talking earlier so he may have arrived even earlier."

Ozpin's eyes widened. "That means!"

Ironwood grimly nodded, "He traveled across entire continents. None of us are outside his range, and neither are you."

Ozpin's face made quite a few emotions until it finally settled on resignation, "...Damnit James."

Ironwood could not even defend himself, for he really had poked the sleeping dragon.

*Yamamoto PoV*

Yamamoto sighed as he made it back home. Had he been too soft? Thoughts like this plagued him as he made his way through the house. It seemed he could never find a balance. Then again when for over three millenia he had used pure violence to dominate and get rid of problems what did he know of peace.

As he made his way up the stairs memories of the past cropped up in his mind.

Memories of cutting down people left and right arose within him as he remembered the beginning of the Soul Society. His mind was filled with fire as he remembered how he sacrificed all of his fellow captains to kill Ywach. He remembers all the people he executed on the orders of central forty-six. Truly had he ever experienced peace? What was peace?

As he made it to his room and entered he looked beside his bed where his trusty zanpaktou lay. Still sealed and looking like an innocent wooden cane. A part of him still ached to head over to that kingdom and burn it down for its transgressions. It would be so easy too. Yet it would achieve nothing except make him an enemy of the world. People would attack anyone and everyone close to him. Grimm activity would rise and put his family in danger.

His family...

How long has he been referring to them in such a way?

He doesn't know, but he does understand. Just as he influenced them, they influenced him. He was a man changed and incomparable to even a few months ago, indescribable to himself a year ago, and unimaginable to what he was a thousand years past.

Was this change for the better?

Did he resist this after noticing it or does let it go. Nothing in his three thousand years of life has prepared him for a family.

His family.

Better think about it tomorrow, he laid down in his bed and went to sleep.

*Marrow PoV*

The broken moon shined brightly against the darkness of the night. The trees in the back yard shivered and danced as a cold wind touched them.

Here in the back yard still standing guard over the unconscious forms of his teammates stood Marrow.

He sneezed and shivered as the cold night breeze touched him.

Achoo*

"Damnit. That old man better not have forgotten about me." He muttered to himself.

Marrow shivered and hugged himself tighter trying to retain as much warmth as possible. Hopefully the old man would be back soon, and hopefully he would replace his freaking scroll! What kind of person just breaks another person scroll after borrowing it. That was such a dick move!

Achoo*

'Ugh, I have a bad feeling this is going to be a long night.' He sniffled and tried to find refuge from the wind.

Oh how little did he know.

(AN: I lived! alrighty y'all i might have a bit more free time as I'm dropping out of college)

(AN2: No unironically :(, calculus is just a bitch and a half for the little monkey in my brain, but instead I will head to a trade school and then get a job, work for 10 years, save up money, and boom start a small business. That would mean passive income. If I haven't achieved these things or gotten close I'm calling it quits at 40 lmaooooo)

(AN3: I was also thinking about starting streaming, would kinda like to talk to the community about the fics and where they're headed or what is possible. Then again that would require consistent upload schedule and probably something like 10k followers, so non-viable lmao)

(AN4: As always leave reviews, thoughts, suggestions, hopes, dreams, existential dreads, shower thoughts and misc. in the reviews, until next time)

(AN4: BTW this shit deleted like 3k words worth of progress and that killed any motivation I had for a while :-;)

(AN5: Sorry but, probably a few spelling mistakes in there, but hey story go brrrrrr)