Chapter 1: Betrayal
Reviews:
Joseph Marin: Thank you!
X3runner: Very true, while Pyrrha is powerful, her team had her back, but how do you think she's doing without them?
But it was me Dio: Ok... I should have clarified a bit more, while the events of Haven happened kind of like Canon, certain things didn't. For example, Cinder doesn't target Weiss because Jaune was never there to antagonize her, and Cinder doesn't have Maiden powers due to what happened atop Beacon's CCT tower (Will be explained in time) So no, Weiss isn't dead.
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Ren straddled Jaune's chest, each blow he delivered fueled by a torrent of anger, his fists crashing down relentlessly while the town around them smoldered, nearly reduced to ashes. "We should have evacuated like I said! I told you!" Ren's voice cracked with tears as he unleashed another punch.
Jaune made no attempt to fight back; instead, he absorbed the blows, tears streaming down his face as he listened to his friend's accusations.
"Why did I even listen to you? Because of you, everyone's dead!" Ren's voice trembled with anguish. "Why didn't you listen to me, you son of a bitch!"
Nora sprinted to the scene, her own eyes brimming with tears as she tried to pry Ren away from Jaune. "That's enough, Ren! Stop it!" Her voice cracked with desperation.
But Ren remained undeterred, and when he felt Nora's attempts to intervene, he lashed out, slapping her away. Nora recoiled in shock and pain, her cries echoing in the chaos.
Hearing Nora's pained cry and witnessing Ren's violent outburst, Jaune abruptly ceased being the punching bag. With a surge of adrenaline, he retaliated, landing a punch squarely on Ren's face before seizing control and delivering his own barrage of blows.
"You son of a bitch!" Jaune's voice roared with fury as his fists connected with Ren's face.
Ren staggered under the onslaught but swiftly regained his footing, grappling with Jaune as they tumbled to the ground, locked in a frenzied brawl. Nora rushed back, tears streaking her cheeks as she pulled them apart, her voice trembling with anguish.
"This wouldn't have happened if you'd just listened to me!" Ren's voice cracked with accusation. "Their blood is on your hands!"
"Ren!" Nora's cry was filled with desperation.
With a growl, Jaune charged at Ren, heedless of Nora's attempts to intervene. Lost in a maelstrom of emotions, Nora swung a punch, inadvertently striking Jaune in the face. His shocked expression mirrored her own remorse as he staggered backward.
Realizing the gravity of her actions, Nora's eyes widened with regret, her heart heavy with sorrow as she watched Jaune walk away. Ren stepped back, leaving Nora alone in her anguish, her knees buckling as she collapsed to the ground, tears streaming down her face, longing for the solace that Pyrrha once provided.
It was a day that shattered the bonds of JNR forever.
Back in the present, Jaune absorbed a forceful blow, staggering backward momentarily before regaining his footing. Locking eyes with his opponent, he seethed with determination, charging forward with unwavering resolve. Evading a wild swing, Jaune swiftly encircled his adversary's waist, hoisting him aloft before unceremoniously slamming him to the arena floor. With a resounding thud, his opponent lay prone, blood trickling from a broken nose. Jaune's fists rained down with unrelenting fury, the sickening crack of bone drowned out by the fervor of battle. Though tempted to continue his assault, the sound of the bell tolled, signaling the end of the brutal confrontation.
A figure entered the arena, swiftly assessing the fallen combatant's condition. With a nod of confirmation, Jaune was declared the victor, rewarded with a stack of lien before departing the arena. Seeking solace, he retreated to the dimly lit confines of the bar, settling onto a stool and signaling for a drink.
Downing a quick shot, Jaune's thoughts drifted back to Sun's probing question from the day prior. "But what about Pyrrha?" The inquiry gnawed at his conscience, stirring a tempest of emotions within him. Gripping his glass tightly, anger threatened to consume him, until a voice interrupted his tumultuous reverie.
"Mr. Arc, not surprised to see you here."
Startled, Jaune turned to find Headmaster Theodore occupying the neighboring seat. Though taken aback by the unexpected encounter, Jaune's expression remained guarded. "What are you here for, Sir?" he inquired, his tone cautious.
Theodore's gaze bore into Jaune's, his demeanor solemn. "Wondering why you're here in this place, Mr. Arc," he replied evenly.
As the bartender approached, Theodore placed an order for a rum and coke, prompting a wry smile from Jaune. "Isn't it obvious?" he quipped, swirling his drink thoughtfully. "I'm here to drown my sorrows."
Theodore sighed, acknowledging Jaune's pain. "I can't blame you, Mr. Arc," he conceded. "You're not the first to seek solace in spirits, nor will you be the last."
Meeting Theodore's gaze, Jaune questioned, "You here to kick me out of Shade?"
"In a sense, yes," Theodore admitted. "Tonight marks your 'final' night as a student of Shade Academy."
Jaune's brow furrowed in confusion. "Why phrase it like that?" he pressed.
As the bartender delivered Theodore's order, the headmaster offered a gentle smile. "Because, Mr. Arc... I need you for something," he revealed.
"And what might that be?" Jaune inquired, his gaze piercing.
"For the past few weeks, I've been investigating the Crown, an organization that CFVY encountered," Theodore explained. "Yet, I've hit a dead end. That's where you come in."
"Me?" Jaune scoffed. "What could I possibly do?"
Theodore's gaze softened. "Your unique semblance— the ability to boost yourself and others— is a rare asset," he explained. "I believe the Crown would be very interested."
Comprehension dawned on Jaune, his resolve strengthening. "You want me to go undercover," he surmised.
Theodore nodded. "Correct."
Jaune's skepticism resurfaced. "Do all headmasters manipulate their students like this?"
Theodore's expression darkened. "I wish I could be forthcoming," he admitted. "But there are things you're not ready to understand."
"What lies in the darkness?" Jaune pressed.
"In due time, Mr. Arc," Theodore evaded. "But know this: a war is coming, and we'll need you."
With Theodore's departure, Jaune pondered the weight of his words, swirling his drink in silent contemplation. "The world's gonna need me, huh?" he mused aloud. Setting down a lien bill for the bartender, Jaune rose from his seat, a sense of purpose guiding his steps as he followed the headmaster into the unknown.
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"So, what can you tell us about the two?" Jaune inquired, fixing his gaze on Theodore.
"Carmine's an extremely skillful, cunning individual. At first glance, every fiber of her being oozes style, appearing as a cool Huntress-in-training, much like Ms. Adel," Theodore began.
Jaune couldn't help but roll his eyes. "Right... but I'm guessing that was just an act," he interjected.
Theodore nodded knowingly. "Indeed. She's cold and ruthless, perfectly fine with participating in human and child trafficking as long as she's paid. She's also willing to resort to brutal methods, like attempting to use Ms. Adel's claustrophobia against her by burying her alive in the sand," he explained. "However, unlike her partner, Bertilak, Carmine can be cordial and approachable."
Jaune absorbed the information, nodding thoughtfully. "What about Bertilak?" he pressed.
"Bertilak's personality is ten times worse," Theodore admitted. "He's confrontational, hostile, easily angered due to his impatience, and racist towards Faunus," he added.
"So technically, the most reasonable out of the two and the one with actual brains is Carmine?" Jaune summarized.
Theodore affirmed with a nod. "Correct."
"Good to know," Jaune replied. "Who else is gonna know about this?" he inquired further.
Theodore met his gaze squarely. "Just you and me," he disclosed. "It's safer this way."
Jaune couldn't help but raise an eyebrow. "You don't trust anyone else, do you?" he questioned.
"Some students may be undercover for the Crown, as well as some of the staff," Theodore admitted.
"So I'll be going in solo... great," Jaune remarked sarcastically. "So, what's the plan?" he pressed, eager for details.
Theodore regarded the young knight with a serious expression. "The plan is..."
Ren and Nora strolled down the corridor, their footsteps echoing softly against the walls as they made their way toward the training grounds. The absence of Jaune from their dorm once again cast a shadow over their morning, leaving a hollow ache in their hearts. They longed for his presence, yearning for the chance to mend the fractures that had formed between them.
As they awoke that day to find Jaune still absent, a wave of sadness washed over them. They silently wished he would linger for the morning, or at least engage them in conversation. But they knew that bridging the chasm that had grown between them would be no easy feat, not after the events that had transpired.
Despite the obstacles that lay ahead, both Ren and Nora harbored a deep desire to reconcile. Ren felt the weight of remorse for his harsh words, longing to extend an olive branch to his leader, his friend, his brother. He understood that Jaune carried the burden of guilt for what transpired on their last mission, yet Ren couldn't shake the resentment that had taken root within him.
Nora, on the other hand, yearned for the return of their leader to the person he once was. She wished for a semblance of normalcy reminiscent of their days at Beacon, before the world they knew crumbled around them. Her feelings toward Pyrrha were a tumultuous whirlwind of conflicting emotions, torn between love and resentment for the friend who had left them behind.
Their thoughts were abruptly interrupted by the appearance of Professor Rumpole, her stern gaze piercing through the corridor. With a commanding tone, she halted their progress, demanding their immediate attention.
"Both of you, stop where you are, now," she ordered, her voice tinged with authority.
They complied with Professor Rumpole's directive, their confusion mounting with each step as they trailed behind her toward the headmaster's office. Upon arrival, they were met not only by Headmaster Theodore but also by teams CFVY and SSSN, their presence adding to the air of tension in the room.
Ren furrowed his brow in bewilderment as he glanced at the assembled teams. "What's going on?" he inquired, his voice tinged with uncertainty.
Coco shrugged in response. "We don't know either. Headmaster Theodore called us in and sent Rumpole to fetch you guys," she explained, her tone echoing the uncertainty that hung in the air.
Rumpole's expression darkened as she addressed Ren and Nora. "I'll tell you what is going on," she seethed with anger, her eyes flashing with intensity as she pointed accusingly at them. "One of them has betrayed this school and freed known rogue huntsmen!" she declared vehemently.
Nora's eyes blazed with fury as she countered the accusation. "We didn't do anything like that!" she protested vehemently, her voice laced with anger and disbelief.
Rumpole's glare intensified, directed squarely at Nora. "You and Mr. Ren may not have... but that leader of yours has!" she spat out, her words dripping with contempt.
The news hit Ren like a sledgehammer, leaving him stunned and horrified. He struggled to process the gravity of what he had just been told about his leader and friend. "Wh-What?" he stammered, his voice trembling with disbelief.
This time, it was Headmaster Theodore who spoke, his voice heavy with regret. "I'm afraid it's true," he confirmed somberly. "We received word that Mr. Arc broke out Carmine and Bertilak."
Coco's shock reverberated through the room. "What!?" she exclaimed, her voice filled with disbelief.
Ren, his emotions a tumultuous storm, took a step forward, his glare piercing. "I don't believe it!" he cried out, his voice thick with indignation.
Rumpole met Ren's glare with steely resolve. "He wounded the local law enforcement and freed the two rogues before escaping into the desert without a trace!" she declared vehemently, her voice echoing with accusation. "He's betrayed this school and everyone here!"
Ren's fists clenched at his sides, his anger palpable as he stared down the vice headmistress.
In the midst of the tension, Velvet stepped forward, her expression troubled. "Do you know why Jaune did this?" she inquired, her voice laced with concern, her eyes pleading for answers.
Theodore sighed heavily, his features etched with sorrow. "Mr. Arc has been on a downward spiral for a long time; perhaps it was only a matter of time," he admitted regretfully, his words heavy with the weight of truth.
Ren's anger threatened to consume him, but instead, he turned on his heel and stormed out of the room, Nora hurrying after him, her concern evident.
Theodore's sigh spoke volumes as he regarded the remaining teams, SSSN and CFVY. "I hate to do this, but as of now, Mr. Arc is an enemy," he announced solemnly, his tone heavy with resignation. "I know some of you are close with him and his team, but... this cannot go unpunished. So, I'll be putting you in charge of capturing Mr. Arc should he resurface," he explained, his words laden with the weight of their duty. "Can you do it?" he asked, his gaze sweeping over each member of the assembled teams.
Sun, Neptune, Velvet, Fox, Yatsuhashi, and Coco exchanged solemn glances, a heavy silence settling over them. After a moment, they nodded slowly in unison.
Theodore nodded in acknowledgment. "Good, then you are all dismissed," he declared, his voice tinged with regret as the reality of their task weighed heavily upon them.
As both teams departed from the office, Theodore's sigh echoed through the empty space, a testament to the heavy burden of responsibility he bore. He knew all too well the turmoil that now churned within the hearts of the students, their trust in Jaune shattered by the revelation of his actions. It pained Theodore deeply to foresee the inevitable loss of trust in him, a consequence of the secrets he was forced to keep, reminiscent of the burdens carried by his predecessor, Ozpin.
Despite the facade of authority and control, Theodore harbored a profound care for his students, yearning for their trust and seeking to guide them toward a brighter future. Yet, in moments like these, he felt the weight of manipulation, compelled to maneuver them like pawns in a game of chess, a strategy he detested when he first joined Ozpin's circle.
Meanwhile, back in the JNR dorm room, Ren and Nora sought solace within the confines of their shared space. Ren's pent-up frustration erupted into a violent display as he unleashed his fury upon the innocent furniture. Nora, ever the voice of reason, pleaded with him to cease his destructive outburst.
"Ren! Stop it!" Nora's voice cut through the chaos, her concern palpable.
Ren, momentarily subdued by Nora's plea, took a shaky breath, his hands still trembling with rage. He retreated from the brink of another assault, his fury giving way to despair as he collapsed onto his bed.
"How could he do this to us!?" Ren's anguish reverberated through the room, his voice raw with emotion.
Nora approached Ren with a sympathetic gaze, her heart heavy with shared sorrow. "Ren..."
"HOW NORA!? HOW COULD HE DO THIS TO US!?" Ren's voice cracked with anguish, his anguish echoing off the walls. "HOW COULD HE JUST TURN HIS BACK ON EVERYTHING WE'VE STOOD FOR!? HOW COULD HE JUST-!? RRRAAAHHH!" With a primal scream, Ren unleashed his anguish upon the wall, the sound of impact resonating through the room, leaving behind a visible crack as a stark reminder of their shattered bonds.
"Ren... you know why he did this..." Nora's voice trembled with sorrow, her eyes brimming with unshed tears. "You know why... he turned his back on us because we turned our backs on him."
Ren remained silent, his gaze fixed on some distant point, his features a mask of turmoil. Slowly, the fire of anger flickered and died within him, replaced by the chill embrace of sorrow. Tears welled up in his eyes, tracing silent paths down his cheeks, a testament to the pain that gnawed at his heart.
The weight of betrayal settled upon Ren's shoulders like a heavy cloak, the realization of their own culpability crushing him beneath its burden. With each sob that wracked his body, Ren's resolve crumbled, his spirit fractured by the shattered bonds of trust.
Nora, unable to bear the weight of their shared grief any longer, succumbed to her own emotions, tears mingling with Ren's as they wept together in the dim light of their dorm room. In that moment of raw vulnerability, they both knew that their team, their family, would never be the same again.
The echoes of their anguish reverberated through the silent room, a somber requiem for the camaraderie they had once cherished. Team JNPR, once a beacon of unity and strength, now lay fractured and broken, their bonds severed by the cruel hand of fate.
And so, in the hushed embrace of sorrow, they mourned the loss of what once was, knowing that healing would be a distant horizon, obscured by the shadows of betrayal and loss.