The Phases of Remnant
ESKK: A new day a new chapter and a new update. A warning before you start reading this chapter is NOT friendly to Jaune and heads up after this chapter the fanfic will be Jaune free for the foreseeable future. Now then enjoy the chapter and leave a review once you are done with it.
(Begin)
-Insert Dot Hack ROOTS OST Silly Go Round by Fiction Junction Yuuka (TV SIZE)-
-Yume kara samete mo-
The song began with the images of Aura with Haseo and Ruby reaching for the Twilight Bracelet. Aura was holding the bracelet in what looked like a forest of fantasy.
-Kono te wo nobasu yo-
The next image showed two hands reaching out towards each other but without any distinguishable markings it was impossible to tell those to whom they belonged. In turn the music picked up to show the title of the story.
"Phases of Remnant."
The next image showed four balls of energy with the images of winter, fall, spring, and summer flying through with the Twilight Bracelet. The song then continued as the image changed once more.
-Onaji tsuyosa de yobi au-
The next image showed Haseo running across the screen but the image of Skeith the Terror of Death behind him taking up the background.
-Kokoro ni nareru no naraba-
The next image showed Atoli walking across the screen with the image of a broken sword and what appeared to be Balmung in the background.
-Nanninbun no kizu demo-
The next image showed Ruby walking down a path with a smile as behind her was the image of the Twilight Bracelet in the hands of the Silver Eyed Kite and Black Rose.
-Boku wa uketomerareru yo-
The following image showed Ozpin as he looked upon a mimic form of Ruby walking off with her own scythe dripping with fresh blood. Accompanying this was an endless void as this figure showed itself to be something beyond human.
-Mou sukoshi datte ki ga surunda-
The next images was a montage of Ruby with team RWBY, Haseo with Team HAKE, and Pyrrha, Ren, and Nora looking at a saddened Atoli as Jaune was found lying in a hospital bed with monitors all over him.
-Kono kabe ga kuzureru Reimei-
The images that showed next was that of the Beacon Clock Tower before four Azure Flames flew by and began to take shape. The shapes taken were Azure Kite, Azure, Balmung, Azure Orca, and finally what appeared to be an Azure form of Summer Rose. It then showed Haseo, Ruby, and their teams preparing for battle against these foes. It then switched with the riff of a guitar and the surge of Dust blowing through.
-Yume kara samete mo mada minai yume no hou made-
Next was shown a montage of images starting with Ovan in a Library reading a book with one hand. Following this was Ozpin as he stood inside the Beacon Tower with his cane in hand. Then showed Haseo and Ruby charging in with weapons drawn for battle. Their foe was the blue and white knock off of Ruby as Ruby attacked first with the image of her teammates showing. Haseo went next as his images showed his own teammates as well.
-Bokura wa hitori de hashiri tsudukeru shika nainda-
The following image showed Pi and Glynda hard at work as well as the images of Sakubo jumping into her mothers' arms before being replaced by Gorre and then back to Sakubo and Glynda. The next images showed Haseo and Ruby charging into battle before they ended up falling through the ground to reveal the forms of AIDA hovering about.
-Korogari mayotte tsukuridasu boku no inryoku ga Itsuka Kimi e-
The next images showed Ruby and Haseo falling into the abyss before tightening their grips on their weapons. What followed was Skeith appearing and the Twilight Bracelet shining to life before Skeith and Ruby proceeded to fire off a Data Drain at the images of AIDA, Salem, and the shadowy force behind the Ruby mimic.
-End OST-
(Start Headmasters office Beacon Academy)
On one silent evening Ozpin sighed to himself as he looked over the latest reports, there was still no sign of Mr. Arc after he pulled a runner a few days prior. Atoli was a model student and her transcripts reflected that. But the strength she had to draw forth to do what she did and while it simply broke Ozpin's heart to see her turmoil it also showed her own strength of character. Being a possible Epitaph user Ozpin looked into her claim and needless to say finding what he did was not a good thing. Atoli had truly hoped she was wrong but sometimes when one wanted to be wrong, they often find out they were right.
Originally Ozpin had wanted to speak to Jaune directly and even bring up the bruising on Atoli's arm which had since been treated and healed. When no one could find Jaune Ozpin quickly suspected that Jaune had run away instead of facing the consequences of his actions. Ozpin would have happily avoided criminal charges and direct Jaune to a Huntsman who can help him reach his potential. But it seems Ozpin had made another mistake to add to the pile when it came to the young man. It was a shame he had such potential, but this act could not be ignored and now officers in Vale were looking for him to question him and if need be, bring down charges against him.
Still, it begged to question where Jaune had gone off too and a small part of him was fearful that Salem got to him somehow. After all, if Jaune's emotional and mental state are as he feared he was prime cut for Salem to manipulate. But with how little skills he had Ozpin took some comfort knowing that Jaune was not on Salem's radar for the time being.
(Scene Break Team RWBY Dorm Room)
Beacon Academy was known as the best Huntsman Academy out of all four kingdoms. The vast majority of students had trained for years to get into Beacon. They were considered the best of the best. Everyone was training to protect the kingdom from the monsters of Grimm.
Having someone cheat their way into Beacon was an affront to them. What started as a rumor had quickly been seen as fact after police investigation showed that yes Jaune did forge his transcripts using Atoli's own as a basis for it. It was no secret Jaune was the weakest first year. So, any of the first years who were questioned would tell the upperclassmen about him. It was actually surprising how long it took for him to be caught with his forgery.
"I can't believe Jaune actually did it." Yang said as she laid on her bed on the top bunk. "I mean it's hard to believe Ms. Goodwitch didn't see it sooner." Yang said as she found this revelation to be shocking.
"That's just it! Arc had to have found a way." Weiss said as she was kicking herself for not seeing it sooner. "It all makes sense!" Weiss continued to say as she was appalled that someone took the easy way to get into such a prestigious school. "Why he's so bad in combat class it adds up, he never had training to begin with and just cheated his way into Beacon." Weiss said before she glared at Yang. "Why aren't you upset? We worked hard to get here, and he gets in without any effort." Weiss asked as the news had spread like Ruby's speed.
"Because of whom had to tell." Yang said and thus Weiss grew quiet after the fact. Atoli was the snitch after all, but Yang knew it must have hurt the girl a lot to turn her brother in and now he was running from the law.
"Poor girl, she must be heartbroken." Weiss said as Jaune had betrayed his own sisters trust in him just to get ahead. Even Blake felt bad for Atoli the girl was one of the kindest of students in Beacon so to have someone that close to her hurt her like that must have struck close to home for many.
Ruby had been uncharacteristically quiet while her team had been arguing. Clutching her pillow tightly on her bed, her stomach kept churning uncomfortably. Ruby didn't want to believe it to be true, but she also knew Atoli had no reason to lie about this. But when Ruby had met Jaune he was honest, kind, goofy, and treated everyone with respect. During their first meeting, Jaune went out of his way to cheer her up after her first fight with Weiss. Besides that, he was the first Ruby made in Beacon and knew how empty it will get if he was forced to leave. It was obvious Jaune wasn't strong, but as Yang pointed out, he did survive initiation. Nora and Pyrrha always said what a good leader he was too. Just because he didn't brag about his achievements, didn't mean he wasn't a good leader.
"Look there is a good chance Jaune had done something illegal and the fact the police are investigating and yet he is nowhere to be found its cause for concern." Weiss said being level about this.
"Maybe we should check on Atoli make sure she doesn't do anything drastic." Blake said as she decided now was a good time to change the subject. Atoli had been going through a rough patch after this incident came to light and there was no telling how she was handling it. Team JNPR or what was left of it had been question but since they don't know where Jaune had run off to they were in the clear.
"Yeah, I agree, poor girl hasn't been the same." Weiss said knowing she would have felt the same way if something like that had happened between her and Endrance.
(Later Team HAKE's Dorm Room)
Atoli sat on her bed as she held her knees to her chest with her hands wrapped around them. Ever since Jaune had vanished things had been different in Beacon. She got calls from her parents and sisters about what had happened and most of them had been questions about Jaune's whereabouts but had no answers to give. Her parents had said that she did the right thing and if Jaune showed up do not hesitate to call the police and then them. Everyone had kept telling her she made the right choice and that one-day Jaune will thank Atoli for basically saving his life, but it didn't feel like she did a good deed at all. Her brother had just lost his chance to become a hero all because Atoli had to be a goody-two-shoes when he confessed to Pyrrha about his transcripts.
Haseo, Kuhn, and Endrance had would be back soon as they had gone to the library to do some studying. Atoli stayed behind but she knew that they would be back soon enough. Just then there was a knock on her door which got Atoli's attention on it.
"Atoli are you there?" Ruby was heard asking and thus Atoli stood open and headed to the door to answer it. Once the door was opened Ruby saw Atoli and saw the girl had bags under her eyes from her lack of sleep.
Team RWBY Stood outside for a moment in silence as Atoli stood there. "Atoli, are you ok?" Weiss asked as she noted the bags that were building under Atoli's eyes.
"Yeah I... just have had some sleep issues lately. It's nothing to worry about." Atoli said as she tried to wave it off.
"Atoli what had happened." Yang began only to be elbowed by Blake stopping her.
"What Yang meant was that you know if you need anything we're right next door." Blake said as she genuinely wanted to help Atoli, after all she knew what the girl was going through. She's been there and thus Atoli nodded in understanding that they were trying to help.
"It's fine really." Atoli began as she tried to leave it be.
"Alright but you know where to find us if you need to talk." Weiss said which Atoli nodded in response to.
""Thank you, I'm sorry for bothering you all." Atoli said plainly as Ruby was worried for the girl. So as the rest of her team left Ruby opted to stay behind so she can talk for a bit.
"Do...do you have time to talk?" Ruby asked as she was worried for the girl.
Atoli paused for a moment when she heard Ruby before sighing. "I suppose." Atoli said and thus she stepped outside to talk to Ruby. "Did you need something?" Atoli asked wanting to know if Ruby needed her.
"Atoli it's about Jaune... have you or your family heard from him?" Ruby asked as she was worried for Jaune.
"No and that's what worries me, he may have figured out the police are looking for him and I fear he may try to smuggle himself out of Vale before they find him." Atoli said as she had no doubt in her mind that Jaune won't get very far if he tries it.
"They'll find him and then we can get it all sorted out." Ruby said hoping that they can keep Jaune out of the pokey.
The pair sat there in silence for a moment as Ruby let Atoli come to her. "Ruby..." Atoli began as she sat next to Ruby. "Am I a bad sister?" Atoli asked her voice dripped in concern. "Did I do enough to help him tutoring him when I can, helping him train when able; doing all I could to help him reach his dream without any thought of reward, did I so enough or did I fail him?" Atoli asked and thus Ruby knew this would be bad if Jaune was here.
"Nope." Ruby said popping the p when she said it.
"What?" Atoli asked looking to Ruby.
"Nope." Ruby repeated which lead to Atoli being confused. "Atoli Jaune is a good guy but you did nothing wrong." Ruby said standing next to Atoli. "You gave him as many chances as you could opened as many doors for him as you could, but he just didn't take any of them." Rubys aid her tone sad as well knowing that Atoli was a good sister for doing all she could. "It's not your fault for him not taking or using any of the help you gave him, at the end of the day he made his choices, and it was just the wrong choice at the time." Ruby said as she could understand why Atoli was hurt.
"But he's my brother and I betrayed him." Atoli said leaning against the wall before sliding down to a sitting position.
"Nope." Ruby said again and in turn she went to sit next Atoli.
"Ok Ruby you're not making sense." Atoli said trying to figure out why Ruby was talking like this.
"My dad use to say a lot that you can't control what other people do, my Uncle Qrow being case and point." Ruby said before going further. "You made a choice based on what you knew and what you felt was right and you can't be blamed for how Jaune reacted." Ruby said and then sighed to this. "You made the choice for Jaune's own good because you didn't want to see your brother get mauled or worse." Ruby finished but Atoli still had her doubts.
"But he's your friend, why aren't you upset about it?" Atoli asked knowing Pyrrha was upset with Atoli for doing what she did.
"Of course, I'm upset but..." Ruby trailed off a moment before sighing. "You're his sister you've known him a lot longer than I have so you know him better than I do." Ruby said as she saw where Atoli was coming from when she reported Jaune's forged transcripts. "I can say that you've done more than enough for him he just didn't want to accept your help even when he needed it." Ruby said making it clear that Jaune's actions were on his head not Atoli's. "He'll turn up and when he does, we can all talk to him." Ruby said as she got up and made her way to her dorm room. "But until then, get some rest you look like you need it." Ruby said and thus Atoli was left alone now.
As she stood up another voice cut in. "She's right you know." Haseo was heard and thus Atoli jumped and look to see Haseo coming out from the hall where he eavesdropped on the conversation. "You can't blame yourself for the choices people make all you can do is take responsibility for your own choices." Haseo said and thus was able to put a small smile on Atoli's face.
"Haseo..." Atoli began as she then stood back up. "Thank you." Atoli said and in response Haseo smiled back to her.
"No problem." He said before he made his way to the door. "Now come on we have a trip tomorrow and you need to sleep." Haseo said and in turn Atoli followed after Haseo. Unaware to any of them, however, a reunion with the missing knight was near but not in the way any of them had hoped.
(Scene Break the Next Day Forever Falls)
The group arrived at Forever Falls with Pi leading the class this time so Glynda can get Sakubo situated in Beacon and keep up with her lessons. The students that comprised of Teams RWBY, HAKE, NPR, and CRDL were amazed by the sight, but it was noted that CRDL seemed to be carrying some extra jars and boxes of something buzzing.
"Yes class, Forever Falls is certainly a sight to behold." Pi began as she lead the group through the red forest that seemed to eternally be in fall. "But we are not here to sight see we are here with an assignment for Professor Peach, and I am here to make sure none of you get mauled for being reckless or foolish." Pi said with the last one being a glare at CRDL as one member gulped knowing how Pi can be against bullies.
"Now here is your assignment, you're each going to gather one jar of Red Sap so that four jars per team." Pi said holding out said jar. "But be warned this forest is crawling with the creatures of Grimm so stay close to your teammates and exercise caution and don't cause trouble." Pi said with the last one having a glare towards CRDL.
"Why does she glare at us when she says that?" Sky asked as he got worried Pi was upset with them.
"Now we'll meet bac here at 4:00 do NOT be late." Pi said and thus ended her debrief. "Have fun." She finished and thus they all left.
(Later)
Teams RWBY, HAKE, and NPR were hard at work as they were filling up their jars with Red Sap. NPR had to fill an extra jar since they did not have a fourth member to do so at the moment.
Kuhn had already finishing getting his sap which came as a surprise to the group. Weiss and Endrance were in the process of collecting the sap while Blake had finished nearby and was helping Ruby now. Atoli had finished a while ago and Haseo had just finished his at the same time as Pyrrha did. Ren had finished right after and passed his jar to Nora to fill hers empty one up. But the minute he turned away from her he heard what sounded like slurping noises before turning around and seeing why. Nora had just downed the entire jar he gave her causing Ren to give Nora a dry look for doing something like that.
Haseo sighed when he saw what happened and proceeded to go help her when he saw Atoli was on edge. "Atoli you, ok?" Haseo asked as he looked to his teammate.
"I don't know it's just... something doesn't feel right about the forest today." Atoli said as she looked around for a moment.
"AIDA?" Haseo asked in a hushed tone showing the others still didn't know what they knew about the AIDA Virus.
"It feels that way." Atoli said as she used her gift to try and sense the AIDA.
"Lets the others know and stay on guard." Haseo said and thus Atoli nodded and did as she was told by her leader. But then Haseo noticed something off the corner of his eye and saw Cardin and his team hiding behind the hill nearby. Haseo sighed to this and walked over to the others. "Guys today is a nice day isn't it." Haseo said as he gestured with his eyes to where Cardin and his team were hiding.
Yang saw this and knew what Haseo planned to do. "Sure, is clear skies, clear weather almost makes you want to nap to take it all in." Yang said as he took his jar with him.
"In fact, I'm about to go take a stroll to really take it all in." Haseo said with a look that said, watch this. Haseo then walked off out of sight so he could carry out his interception of Cardin's team.
(Later with Team CRDL)
"Ok boys there they are." Cardin said as he smiled at the scene of the unaware Teams HAKE, RWBY, and NPR.
"Cardin are you sure this is a good idea?" Sky asked as he felt that this was a very bad idea.
"He's right Haseo is going to get ticked at us when he finds out we did it." Rush said making it clear he had doubts about this plan... plus he did not want to get beat up again.
"Shut up." Cardin said glaring at his cowardly team before focusing on the group unaware of Haseo creeping up behind them. "Once we do this, that ass will never be able to live it down." Cardin said as he smirked to this. "And will teach him never to mess with us again." Cardin added only for Haseo to jump Dove and held his hand over his mouth shushing him.
"So, Cardin what was the plan again?" Haseo asked pretending to be Dove.
Cardin however was so focused on the teams he didn't even realize Dove was compromised. "Dove my dim minded friend, the plan is simple." Cardin said as he began to explain the scheme. "I heard Rapier Wasps simply love Red Sap so I brought us an extra jar so we can throw it at Ms. Champion or Mr. Terror of Death." Cardin said in a mocking tone towards Pyrrha and Haseo while holding the jar in question. "Once their covered we let loose the Rapier Wasps and have ourselves a jolly good laugh." Cardin said making Haseo glare at him. "That will show them now to mess with us." Cardin said and thus Dove was wide eyed when Haseo began to glare.
"We can't do it, Cardin." Haseo said in Doves voice as the former PKK took Dove's jar and slowly went for the Wasps. He let go of Dove and gave him the chance to run for it.
"What do you mean we can't why do you think we went through all that trouble?" Cardin asked as he then got up to go for Dove only to see Haseo with both sap and box.
"Because I found out." Haseo said and thus he splashed the sap into Cardin's armor making him go wide eyed. "I'm giving you a 5 second head start." Haseo said which Cardin smiled with hope but that was before Haseo smirked. "3, 2, and." Haseo trailed off with a smirk as he began to open the box.
(Back with the teams)
The two teams sat around as they soon heard Cardin screaming as he ran away. A swarm of Rapier Wasps was chasing him as they went for the Red Sap staining his armor. With Cardin was the rest of his team as they chased after the swarm so they could get away from Haseo. Haseo was then seen walking in while dusting off his hands from a job well done.
"Cardin and his goons won't be a problem." Haseo said as he had a full jar on his person.
"Bro that was some sick retribution." Yang said proud of what her brother did to those bullies.
"Hey, it's not my fault if those meatheads can't learn their lesson." Haseo said with a smug smile on his face over what he had done to Team CRDL.
"Well, I can agree that those brutes had it coming." Weiss said clearly not approving but thankful some Karma was given out.
"We best finish up soon before Haseo feels inclined to cause more chaos." Pyrrha said which simply made Haseo shrug to this.
"Come on let's hurry before Nora decides to drink all the sap." Haseo said and thus they got moving to finish up their tasks.
But before they could go any further Atoli went wide eyed as she grabbed the side of her head hearing the sounds AIDA was known for. "Guys I think we have a bigger issue." Atoli said and thus all three teams looked to the girl. Looking to the side they saw Atoli pointing at something and that something was an Ursa as it came after them.
"Shit!" Kuhn cursed as they each began to draw their weapons to fight back. But before they could respond the Grimm was suddenly sliced in half as it paused for a moment before the two halves fell down. Everyone was caught off guard by this and were a bit wary until they noted the Black Dots forming behind the fallen Grimm.
"Those things again." Weiss said as she saw the AIDA moving before them.
But before they could move, they saw something or someone moving from out of the mass. When the person came out the group was wide eyed when they saw exactly who it was who stepped forth. It was Jaune but by the looks of it he had been drastically changed as his left arm and both his legs were covered entirely in some sort of black/red growth. His left arm had an extra appendage that ended with a bladed end. His hair had become wild and unkept as there were even AIDA based growths on his head looking like horns. But his face his eyes carried a madness in them curtesy of AIDA and whatever thing Jaune was obsessed with.
"Jaune?" Ruby asked when she saw Jaune standing in front of them. But before she could approach Haseo stopped her as it was clear something wasn't right. Even Ren could tell when he stopped Nora and Pyrrha from approaching the fugitive.
"Oh, there you guys are." Jaune said in a deranged tone. "Atoli my dear sister betraying me like the villain of the story." Jaune said as they all noted the tone he used. "And Pyrrha the manipulated sidekick making a villain out of me when I was the hero." Jaune said showing what his obsession was. "I've been looking everywhere for you." He said pointing his sword at them his stance as poultry as ever.
"That stuff can affect people?" Yang asked recalling the AIDA that appeared with Jaune.
"It certainly seems that way." Endrance said noting how bad this will be if they let Jaune run amuck. Still for AIDA to progress this quickly Jaune must have had years of pent-up emotions for AIDA to exploit.
"I just have to take you down as the hero before you can ruin anyone else." Jaune said as Yang got into a combat stance showing that she saw Jaune as a threat.
"Jaune calm down you're not thinking straight." Pyrrha said attempting to get Jaune to think clearly for a moment.
"She's right you need to calm down." Atoli said hoping to get through to her brother. "If you turn yourself in then chances are you'll get off easy." Atoli said but Jaune snarled at her.
"Oh, you'd like that, Atoli you bitch!" Jaune snapped as he looked to his sister. "If I turned myself in, I'd not only be justifying villains, but I'll never be able to attend any Huntsman school especially Beacon!" Jaune snapped much to everyone's shock and concern. "I should have seen it all before, perfect princess Atoli the Huntress of the Arc family mom and dad's pride and joy who can do no wrong." Jaune went on before laughing in a maddening tone that actually scared Ruby for a bit. "You manipulated them you, arrogant villain it's all your fault you've been against me from day one!" Jaune yelled using a clearly biased and warped memory of what really happened.
"Jaune calm down you're not thinking straight." Haseo said trying to get Jaune to cool it.
"No, I can remember it, oh Jaune let me help you, don't worry Jaune you'll get the hang of it; Jaune you need to fix your stance, Jaune you have a lot of spirit." Jaune said listing off all of his memories using a mocking version of Atoli's tone. "It's the basic hero vs villain trope the villain is close to the hero by blood!" Jaune went off as it was clear he had lost his mind to AIDA.
"Ok he's gone bonkers." Yang said and thus she blasted forward against Jaune. "Night-night Jauney!" Yang yelled but then the growth on his back reacted and intercepted Yang, much to her shock.
"You're standing against the Hero?" Jaune asked looking to Yang with an insane look. "Then either she manipulated you too, or your in league with her!" Jaune yelled and thus forced Yang back crashing her through several trees.
Yang moaned in pain as she got back up, but she now had blood dripping down her head from a split. The blond stumbled a bit causing Ruby to look with concern to her Sister. "Yang!" Ruby cried out when this happened before looking to Jaune. "That's enough Jaune you've made your point!" Ruby countered hoping to get Jaune to stop.
"It's over when I say it's over!" Jaune yelled only to suddenly be blasted by Fire sending him flying back. When this happened Haseo came in and slammed down his great sword on Jaune who used the growth on his back to stop the attack. But the chainsaw grinded and in turn cleaved through the growth. Jaune was forced to back off but in doing so stepped on a Glyph to hold him in place curtesy of Endrance following this up Kuhn opened fire on Jaune sending some of his higher end shots at him which was enough to send Jaune flying back.
"You may have that power Jaune, but you don't have the skills to use it." Haseo said with a calm tone showing that power was useless if you don't know how to use it.
"So, Haseo you're also a villain for this Hero to best." Jaune said as he got back up glaring at Haseo . "Of course, a name like Terror of Death is a villain title in the end." Jaune said causing Haseo to sigh in frustration. At the same time, the AIDA growth from earlier took hold and regenerated the part Haseo cleaved off.
"Oh, brother how delusional has AIDA made you?" Haseo began with a bored yet neutral tone to Jaune "Or is that actually all from you?" Haseo asked as he saw how crazy Jaune was.
"Die!" Jaune yelled but Haseo side stepped and then kicked Jaune in the back forcing him to stumble forward. When Jaune managed to regain his footing, he lunged at Haseo again who easily dodged and avoided his attacks. Clearly even with AIDA helping him Jaune was still as uncoordinated and untrained as he was when his transcripts got exposed. The AIDA growth once more lashed out and thus they were forced to back off and in doing so the black dots returned.
"Ren, Nora, Yang, Blake go get help!" Pyrrha called and thus the three girls and Ren nodded. This left Pyrrha, Ruby, and Team HAKE to deal with the crazed Jaune.
"Good an audience to see the triumph of a hero!" Jaune boasted as Ruby felt sad seeing Jaune like this.
"Jaune this isn't you, snap out of it." Ruby tried to reason but Jaune was not listening.
"Of course, it's me the Hero wins in the end, I'll have it all riches and I'll ride off into the sunset with the girl, eh Weiss?" Jaune asked and thus Weiss went wide eyed and her faced turned green over the implications. "Now with this power I'll save every." Jaune began only to cry out when a stab wound got him from behind. Jaune was wide eyed as he looked to the source and saw Endrance standing there with his sword stabbed into his back.
"A sneak attack from the back? What a villainous thing to do." Jaune said as Endrance smiled a bit.
"Be wary of the monster less you become the monster you hunt." Endrance recited before backing off from an attack by Jaune's third arm.
"Damn you!" Jaune yelled only for Ruby to shoot him with Crescent Rose before moving she turned the rifle into its scythe form to attack. Jaune blocked it only to be bashed by Pyrrha's shield as she looked to Jaune in horror.
"Ruby, you betrayed me too!?" Jaune yelled as he then glared at her. "Then you can die also!" He yelled going for the attack but was stopped by Kuhn firing him sending him flying. Jaune hit the tree and cried out in pain before he was hit by Atoli's elemental shots causing more damage. "Dammit this isn't how it's supposed to happen!" Jaune yelled as a new thought came in. "But now I see your all against me your all out to get me!" Jaune yelled as Kuhn sighed to this.
"Come on Jaune get a grip this is your fault you made the choices that lead this not us!" Kuhn yelled but instead Jaune roared in fury and attacked once more.
"No, I won't listen to your lies the villain always lies so the Hero can't trust a single word they say!" Jaune yelled as soon the AIDA began to reach an apex. "This is your fault Atoli, you turned them all against me, you made them think I'm a villain!" Jaune yelled as he glared at Atoli. "I was going to be the greatest hero but you took it away from me so you can hog it for yourself!" Jaune yelled as he then showed the white in his eyes were now black and his irises were now red. "I'll parade your body all over show everyone why you never challenge a hero! I'm the only hero Remnant needs!" Jaune yelled and soon the black dots consumed him creating a wave of darkness around them. Haseo acted and stabbed his broadsword to the ground whole holding Ruby close. At the same time Weiss and Endrance summoned their Glyphs to create a shield and to anchor the entire group to the ground.
When the wall came down and the winds stopped the group saw Jaune towering over them now fully in the form of an AIDA showing he had given himself over to it. "Jaune!" Pyrrha cried out but Haseo stopped her.
"No!" Haseo said as he stopped Pyrrha from going towards Jaune. "It's too late for him." Haseo said and thus Atoli clenched her fist. "Endrance Kuhn." Haseo began which the boys nodded. But before they could do this Atoli put her arm out to stop them.
"No... I need to do this." Atoli said as she stepped forward. "He's my brother so I have to be the one." Atoli said passing by the group to stand between them and Jaune. "To purify him!" She called out standing before Jaune to stop him.
"Oh? Has the villainous witch come to offer herself as sacrifice?" Jaune asked his voice warped as he towered over Atoli as AIDA Victorian.
"Jaune whatever I did before this to wrong you... whatever I did that eventually lead you to do this I'm truly sorry." Atoli began as she stood against Jaune. "But your unwell your hurting people who had nothing to do with your fall except defend themselves and I can't let you do it." Atoli said as she then began to take a prayer stance. "That's why I will stop you." She said and soon a bell rung out in Atoli's ears while a set of glowing marks appeared across her body. "Here I come!" Atoli finished and thus she began to summoner Avatar to battle in the hopes of curing her brother of his affliction.
"Please..." Atoli began as her voice seemed to echo out. "Please give me strength... to protect everyone I can!" She announced while spreading her arms and looking forward. "I'm Right here! Innis!" She cried out spreading her arms out and in turn a flash of light blinded the entire group.
As the light died down Innis the Mirage of Deceit and the Second Phase of Morgana towered over the forest and met Jaune's AIDA form at equal height both sides ready to do battle. The two then clashed as Innis summoned dual energy blades and clashed with Victorian and thus, they began to fight. Going back and forth parting and clashing the two giants did battle until Innis backed off. She then fired off a volley of ranged attacks and in turn Victorian flew away to avoid the shots.
Several of them missed but a few managed to get their mark hitting Victorian. But Jaune was not done as with a roar Victorian returned fire against Innis but then Innis went transparent avoiding the attack. Jaune got angry and charged in at Atoli only to fall into her trap. Using Haze of Treason Atoli had Innis set up a decoy and in doing so Jaune had caused Victorian to fly right into her trap. The result was Innis copy vanishing and from the side Innis sliced at Victorian causing major damage to him.
Atoli was not done as she then began to fly around at high-speed looking like a plane as she did so. She attacked Victorian firing off several smaller energy shots. With each clash Victorian grew weaker until eventually the AIDA shields were broken. Taking the chance Innis brought her hands together and began to charge up power with stems forming from her back. Soon enough the attack was fully charged and thus Atoli was ready to unleash it.
"DATA DRAIN!" Atoli invoked and in turn proceeded to fire off her attack giving Jaune no time to respond to it. Jaune was hit by the attack and thus he felt a great surge of energy leaving his own body as he went wide eyed in horror. Soon enough the AIDA form began to vanish before it eventually began to turn to sparks.
"No! No!" Jaune cried out and thus he was reverted to his original form before passing out. AS he fell to the ground Innis was able to grab him before looking sadly to her brother.
"Oh Jaune." Atoli said saddened how it came to this. By the time Pi arrive Innis was gone, and Atoli was seen holding her unconscious brother crying her eyes out for him.
(Scene Break the following Evening)
The day came to an end and Jaune was brought to Vale's hospital. There it became clear that Jaune was in a coma and the entire day after the trip to Forever Falls was spent with lawyers and the like. It was a clear-cut case and considering Jaune had attacked several students out of revenge he was looking to a long sentenced. Thankfully, Ozpin pulled some strings for leniency as even his victims asked for such from the Judge.
Atoli was standing next to her brother's hospital bed as he had wires strapped to him to feed him nutrients and monitor his condition. Jaune was going to be transferred to a minimal security prison that came equipped with a hospital. "Jaune... I... I don't know if you can hear me." Atoli said her tone deep with sadness as she knew what Jaune was. He was Remnants first Lost One and Atoli... even now blamed herself for it. "The judge sentenced you to five years with leniency." Atoli said knowing in a coma Jaune could not defend himself. "But because of me... because I tried to protect you, you've been barred from ever entering a Huntsman Academy again." Atoli said making it clear that Jaune was never going to reach his dream.
"But... but I promise." Atoli began trying to sound hopeful. "I'll do everything in my power to make things right so that way when you wake up you can smile like when we were kids." Atoli said trying to sound hopeful even if she wasn't. The only sound in the room were the machines monitoring Jaune. "Mom and Dad will fly in to see you... their hoping you can be transferred closer to home." Atoli said knowing her sisters would also be coming by. "But I'll visit every chance I get I promise you that much." Atoli said and in turn she grew quiet once more. "I'll see you later... Jaune." Atoli said as she then walked away.
(Scene Break Beacon Roof)
A short trip to Beacon later Atoli stood on the roof where it all came undone. In her hands was Crocea Mors as she looked upon the heirloom weapon. Breathing in and then out Atoli began to draw the sword and activated the shield before taking a battle stance. Nearby was a book opened to a page on sword and shield combat. She studied it intently before she began to start off with a few test slashes for it. Atoli was a novice with this weapon but she wasn't going to quite she planned to use this so she can carry Jaune to his dream.
"Your stance is off." Pyrrha was suddenly heard as this got Atoli's attention. "You have a good start off, but you need to be wider and lower to the ground." Pyrrha said and thus Atoli smiled to this and fixed her stance. "Better but..." Pyrrha said before walking over and fixing Atoli's footing. "There, now it's perfect." Pyrrha said and thus Atoli smiled when Pyrrha drew her own weapon.
"Thanks, Pyrrha." Atoli said as she was thankful for this.
"Despite what happened... I think Jaune would have wanted you to use that." Pyrrha said as the two got ready to start training.
"Thank you... that means a lot Pyrrha." Atoli said and thus they both took the needed stance.
"Well then... shall we get started?" Pyrrha offered and thus the two girls began to train together. Unaware to them Haseo could hear them from the window of his dorm room down below.
(TBC)
ESKK: Well, the chapter is done, took me a bit but I got it made. Now then be sure to leave a review for it and as always folks, ja-ne.