Haha! Welcome to Chapter Two! I know I said "highly infrequent updates" but I definitely did not mean *checks watch* almost five year. Hehe...woops? The TLDR is that I lost my notes, corrupted my hard drive, started college, and then life looked me in the face said "Hey Cerulean, how does CBT sound" and took me for a joy ride that I have only recently recovered from. However! Things are back on track now! I've re-planned everything out (probably fixed a lot of pacing issues too) and I'm ready to go! I've also gone back to Chapter One and fixed some grammar issues as well as added a new prologue! Anyway, that's enough from me. On with the show!

"Talking"

'Thought'

Scroll Call

'Memory/Flashback'

The Blood of Kings Chapter Two

Jaune was quiet for a long time, a look of shock and disbelief on his face. He glanced back at Professor Goodwitch, only for her to meet his eyes with a serious gaze. Looking back at Ozpin he spoke, a nervous laugh bubbling around his words, "T-that's funny Headmaster, r-real funny, haha."

The older man leveled a stare and the blonde. "This is no joke, Mr. Arc. You are, as far as we know, the only living descendant of Ozmium capable of claiming the throne."

He stood and walked towards the window, gazing out at the school. After a few moments Ozpin beckoned for Jaune to join him.

"When I look out at this school, do you know what I see?"

"Umm, some buildings, the Emerald Forest, aaand a bunch of students?"

The headmaster shook his head and chuckled. "You are partially correct Mr. Arc, I do see students, yes, but more than that, I see young men and women in need of a leader. Someone that can guide them and inspire them to do great things. I look out and see the citizens of Vale, in need of a protector, a person that can give them hope in the darkest of times." The blonde-knight tilted his head in confusion. "But isn't that what you're here for Headmaster?"

The Headmaster's eyes twinkled in mirth as he answered, "While, I do like to think that I help my students become the best that they can be, I am just the headmaster of a school, not quite the person that the public can put their undying loyalty and faith in."

Jaune was silent for a moment before looking at Ozpin.

"And you think that person is me?"

The headmaster turned his head, meeting his student's gaze. "As you are now, no I don't think so."

Before Jaune could say anything, Ozpin continued. "However, I do believe that you can be. Inside you lies a great, untapped potential that is just waiting to be unleashed. It is in your blood to lead. I know that you have felt it and I myself have already seen it."

Jaune was confused. He looked down at his hands, 'What does he mean he's already seen it. There's nothing special about me. I'm just some country bumpkin looking to play hero.' Ozpin continued speaking, jarring him out of his self-deprecation before it could go any further. "During initiation, you, someone with no combat experience, brought together a team of people with next to no knowledge of each other and their skill sets to successfully bring down two elder B-Rank Grimm. It was something that not many people could do and quite impressive if I do say so myself."

The blonde was still not quite convinced, but conceded to Ozpin's point, nonetheless. "So, what happens now Professor?"

"The way I see it, you have two options. You can pack your bags and become the person everyone thinks you are, or you can rise to the challenge and become the hero that Vale, no, Remnant, needs. The choice is yours Mr. Arc. No one can make it but yourself."

"I-I don't know Professor."

"And I don't expect you to. Take some time tonight to think about everything and bring me your answer tomorrow."

Jaune nodded his head and turned to leave. As he was about to walk into the elevator he was stopped by the headmaster's voice. "Mr. Arc." The boy in question paused and turned around.

"Know that whatever your decision, we will respect and support you."

Jaune glanced over at Miss Goodwitch who nodded and smiled in confirmation. He looked back to Ozpin and said, "Thank you" before walking into the elevator. The headmaster breathed a sigh of relief when the elevator doors closed behind his student. He walked back behind his desk and sat down before taking off his glasses to rub the bridge of his nose.

"I think I'm going to need something a bit stronger than coffee after this." Hearing a light laugh he glanced up at his second-in-command.

"And what about my suffering is amusing to you?"

Glynda merely shook her head and laughed again. "Nothing, just noting how different he is from his father."

Ozpin replaced his glasses and nodded in understanding. "Yes, Nicholas was always a brash one. Never quite so concerned with the consequences." He leaned back in his chair and turned his gaze towards the ceiling.

"Perhaps that is why he failed." Pausing for a moment he faced Glynda once more. "At any rate, I believe it is time I call the Marshal."

The woman raised a delicate eyebrow at that. "You really believe that Mr. Arc is going to accept what you've told him."

Ozpin chuckled as he reached across his desk, "I would be surprised if he didn't." Grabbing a black scroll the headmaster dialed in a number. After ringing twice, a gruff voice answered the call.

Marshal here.

"Is the team ready?"

Yes, they should be arriving at Beacon by tomorrow evening.

"You're not coming with them?"

No, I'm looking for leads to the next tombs.

"Well then, Godspeed Marshal, and stay alive."

I always do Ozpin.

After hanging up the scroll call with a click Ozpin sat back in his chair, a tired look on his face. Looking at the time he noticed that it was only 7:00 in the evening. "I'm getting too old for this, Glynda." She looked over at her boss and longtime friend. "You've been too old for this for centuries."

"Hmm. I suppose you're right, I suppose you're right."

[Beacon Airspace, Mid Afternoon, The Next Day]

The rumble of the Bullhead was loud in the ears of the three teens sitting inside. The one sitting nearest the pilots was a mountain of rippling muscle and even sitting down, he towered over the other occupants. He was wearing black pants, shoes, and an unbuttoned black short-sleeve shirt. He had hair down to his shoulders with tattoos covering both his arms and a long scar going vertically over his left eye. Leaning against the wall next to him was a massive greatsword almost as tall as he was. Across from him sat a tall well-dressed teen with upswept light ash brown hair and glasses. He wore a purple and black patterned dress shirt with a black suit and black shoes along with silver driving gloves. Next to him sat the third and final teen who was wearing black gloves, a black shirt with a white pattern, a sleeveless black vest with a dark red flannel shirt attached underneath and dark pants with a faint leopard print.

The tall boy broke the silence with a deep and intimidating voice. "Ignis, how much longer till we arrive?"

The boy with glasses, now named Ignis, looked up from where he was sitting. "Considering that we are about 30 miles from the school, I'd say approximately 15 minutes."

The blonde sitting next to Ignis perked up at this and spoke in an excited tone. "Ooooh, I can't wait! I wonder what the prince is gonna be like! What about you Gladio? Do you think he'll like comics? Oh, oh! What about photography? Video Games!? Chocobos!"

Gladio looked over at him. "Prompto, if you don't calm down, I'm gonna throw you out of this Bullhead and make you walk the rest of the way," he growled.

Prompto threw his hand over his heart in mock pain. "I thought we were friends! How you wound me so!"

Before Gladio could make good on his threat, Ignis interrupted his two friends. "I too am finding myself curious about the new prince."

Gladio crossed his arms and leaned back against the wall, "From what I hear, he doesn't even know who he is."

The bespeckled teen put a hand to his chin while humming in agreement, "His lack of experience will pose an issue as well. Perhaps this might not be as simple as we thought."

Prompto put his arms behind his head and said, "Well, it's nothing a little good-old-fashion training can't fix!"

"Hmph, you could use some of that yourself."

Before Prompto could speak his indignation, a voice came over the intercom. "Commencing final approach to Beacon Academy. Please return to your seats and fasten your seat belts." As they drew closer, they could make out more and more details of the school. Prompto was the first to make any comment. "Wow," he said breathlessly "It's so pretty."

"It is quite majestic isn't it," said Ignis.

Gladio glanced out of the window to his left. "Well, it's not bad. Can't beat the forests of Mistral though."

Prompto nodded sagely and reverently whispered "Chocobos." Ignis shook his head at his friend's antics before facing forward again. The group sat in silence for the last few minutes of the ride before feeling the aircraft touchdown. The three teens unfastened their seatbelts, grabbed their things and made their way towards the doors.

When they opened, all three of them shielded their eyes from the sun as they walked out. Upon stepping out of the Bullhead, they saw a stern blond woman with a tablet in hand waiting for them.

She inclined her head and spoke, "Good, you've finally arrived. My name is Professor Goodwitch, I am the deputy-headmistress of this academy. Now, follow me, the headmaster is waiting for you."

A short walk later found them standing in front of an elevator to a large clock tower. Professor Goodwitch pressed a small intercom button on the side of the elevator. A distinctly professional voice came through the speaker.

"Yes?"

"Headmaster, I have your party of three here to see you."

"Perfect, we were just discussing them. Go ahead and send them up."

The elevator doors dinged open, and Professor Goodwitch gestured for them to enter. The three friends looked towards each other and nodded. As they stepped inside, they knew it would be the first step on the most important journey in their lives. When the doors opened they saw two people standing by the desk. The one behind it, presumably the headmaster, spoke as they walked in.

"Ah, good of you to finally join us. May I present to you, Jaune Miles Lucis Arc, the heir-apparent to the throne of Vale."

[Beacon Rooftops, One Hour Earlier]

Jaune was sitting on the edge of the rooftops thinking about Ozpin's words from the previous day. 'The blood of kings huh? Yeah right. As if I'm something so great.' But he couldn't ignore the small voice in the back of his head. The one saying what if. Just what if, on the off chance, this is real. What if he really could be the hero he'd always dreamed of being. 'This is all so much.' He looked down and his hand and clenched it into a fist. 'But, if what Ozpin says is true, then I have no choice.'

For too long he had taken the easy way out, never truly pushing himself to be something greater, but no more. He stood up, his decision made, to never again lie down and be weak. To always look ahead and become stronger, to fight with all his might to protect what he holds dear. It would be a long and far more arduous path than any, but he would take it. Jaune shook his head and looked towards the sky. "I hope I make you proud grandpa."

Turning, he made his way towards the staircase leading back into the school. Putting his hands into his pockets, he kept his head down as he made his way towards the headmaster's office. Ever since his confrontation with Team RWBY in front of the cafeteria the day before, rumors had been flying around the school about what exactly went down. Everywhere he went the other students were whispering their misgivings, thinking he couldn't hear them. A few even went out of their way to make sure that they were heard. Luckily for him, it hadn't progressed to anything physical, but that was likely to change once word about his transcripts got out. Not if, but when. Jaune knew Yang well enough to expect his not-so-secret-anymore secret to be flying all over the school within the next few days. Hopefully, Professor Ozpin could help.

Walking up to the elevator, Jaune pressed the intercom button on the side. Instead of Professor Ozpin answering like the last two times he was here, it was Professor Goodwitch's voice that came out of the speaker.

"Yes."

"I'm here to see the headmaster. I, uh, have an answer for him."

There was a moment of silence before she answered. "The headmaster will see you now. Good luck Mr. Arc."

Gulping at the possible implications of that statement, Jaune said his thanks and stepped inside the elevator. As the floors went by, he couldn't help but think what would happen to him. With him being off of Team JNPR, there wasn't much left for him at the school. Maybe he would get some kind of personal trainer or guide to help him become stronger.

When the doors finally opened, he saw the headmaster standing with his cane and mug in hand looking out towards the courtyard. 'Does he always stand there? That's gotta be like his favorite spot or something.' Shaking his head, Jaune stepped out of the elevator.

Turning, Ozpin looked at his student "Ah, Mr. Arc. I assume you've brought me an answer?"

Jaune looked at the headmaster with resolute eyes, his decision made. "I'll do it. Whatever it is I need to do to fulfill my destiny, I'll do it."

The older man nodded his head, taking a sip of his coffee. "As I'd hoped. Please, take a seat and we can discuss this further." As they did so, Ozpin continued to speak. "As we established yesterday, you are the only living descendant capable of laying claim to the Warrior King's throne. However, do you know why that is?"

Jaune shook his head, "Um, no sir. I was, uh, kinda curious about that myself." He scratched the back of his head and laughed awkwardly. "Um, sorry."

The headmaster just waved it off. "No need to apologize. You see, Mr. Arc, of all of your siblings, you are the only one that has the capability to claim the armaments of your ancestors." Jaune tilted his head in confusion. 'The heck are armaments and why am I the only one able to claim them? What about my sisters, or even my dad? Why does this have to be so confusing?'

As if sensing the boy's questions, Ozpin continued. "The four royal armaments are weapons of great power that were once wielded by your ancestors. Out of each generation of Arcs, only one is chosen by the gods to rule. They are all marked with a symbol on the inside of their left wrist that proves the legitimacy of their claim."

At that Jaune raised his hand. "Um, headmaster, I uh don't mean to interrupt but I don't have any kind of symbol."

Ozpin took his glasses off and rubbed the bridge of his nose. "We aren't in a classroom Mr. Arc. You don't have to raise your hand." The boy blushed and mumbled an apology. "At any rate, you are correct. This is likely because of your father."

"My father?"

"Yes. When an Arc child reaches the age of puberty, a small ceremony is performed to see if the mark will pass on to them. However, your father refused to pass on the mark in the hopes that his children would never have to carry the weight of a kingdom on their shoulders."

A torrent of emotion was running through Jaune. His dad knew about all of this and never told him. Why? Because he didn't think his kids could handle it? The logical part of his brain told Jaune that there was likely a good explanation, but he was too frustrated to listen.

"So, dad never thought it would be a good idea to tell us of our destiny."

Ozpin leaned forward with a sad but serious look on his face.

"Your father suffered a great loss on the very same journey you are on now because of a mistake that he made. Nicholas has only ever done what he thought was in your best interest, misguided and jaded though he may be."

Jaune sat in stunned silence for a moment before asking, "What happened?"

"That is something you must ask him yourself. In any case, yes you were never given the mark by your father, but it seems that it has a mind of its own. After your battle with the Ursa Major in the Forever Fall Forest, Ms. Goodwitch reported seeing the mark glowing on your arm before fading from view."

"Okaay? So, the mark has started to show up on its own. Why is that such a big deal?"

"One of two things will happen. One, the mark will simply pass onto you, granting you access to the knowledge and power of your ancestors"

'That doesn't sound too bad.'

"Or two, the mark will fail to integrate with you properly, ripping your Aura to shreds and subsequently killing in a most brutal fashion."

That sounds bad.'

The blonde knight ran a hand through his hair, feeling a new weight settle on his shoulders. There had to be something they could do, right? "So how do we fix this? You just said that if the mark passes forcefully I could die, right? I may not be the smartest person out there but there's gotta be something I can do even if that ceremony was supposed to have been done when I was a kid."

"You are indeed correct. Luckily for you it is an easy fix. All you need to do is have your father perform the ceremony to pass the mark on to you."

Jaune squinted his eyes at the headmaster. "You coulda started with that you know."

Ozpin sipped from his mug, no emotion showing on his face. "I could have yes."

"Wha- bu-." Jaune buried his head in his hands. Why was he like this? He shook his head, leaned back, and sighed. That was a lot to take in in a short amount of time. Still, even with the dangers, he was willing to push onward.

"So, I've got this mark of royalty. Now what? I go and 'claim' these armaments and become king?"

The headmaster chuckled. "Essentially yes, but it's not quite so simple. Before any of that, you need training."

At this Jaune looked up. This is what he had been looking for. Finally, he could get some training and show everyone how wrong they were about him. With urgency he asked, "When? By who?"

Before Ozpin could reply, a voice over the intercom came through.

Headmaster, I have your party of three here to see you.

"Perfect, we were just discussing them. Go ahead and send them up."

'Wait. That means!' Jaune looked expectantly at Ozpin who nodded with a smile. "That would be them."

Ecstatic didn't even begin to describe what he was feeling. This was what he had been dreaming about for years. Finally, someone willing and able to teach him and bring out his full potential. Jaune's thoughts were running a million miles a second when the elevator dinged. Both standing up, Ozpin spoke.

"Ah, good of you to finally join us. May I present to you, Jaune Miles Lucis Arc, the heir-apparent to the throne of Vale."

After he turned around Jaune was, needless to say, more than a little surprised. When the professor said that someone was going to be training him, he thought it would be someone a little…older. Looking at the three people standing before him, Jaune's previously racing thoughts came to a complete halt. They were all his age. Not that he wasn't grateful for a trainer, let alone three of them, it just took him by surprise. If Professor Ozpin believed that these people were the best suited to train him, then who was he to question. Besides, he had seen what some of the other students were capable of.

Gesturing toward the new arrivals, Ozpin continued. "Mr. Arc, may I introduce to you your new team and trainers."

The first person was incredibly large, wearing all black with an unbuttoned short-sleeve shirt. He had shoulder length hair, tattoos covering both arms, and a long scar going vertically over his left eye.

"This is Gladiolus Amicitia. He is your shield and will guard you with his very life along with training your physical body." Gladiolus looked Jaune up and down before nodding his head and grunting.

"There's not much to work with but I'm sure I can whip you into prince material in no time."

The next was tall with upswept hair and glasses. He wore a purple dress shirt with a black suit and silver driving gloves. "This is Ignis Scientia. He is your advisor and confidante and will explain to you your duties and rights as the heir-apparent of Vale's throne." Ignis clasped his hands behind his back and bowed his head.

"A pleasure to finally meet you Prince Jaune."

The third had styled blonde hair and was wearing a black shirt with a sleeveless black vest and dark pants. "Last but not least, this is-!"

Jumping forward the blonde boy grabbed Jaune's hand and began shaking it rapidly. "HI! I'm Prompto and I will be your absolutely awesome weapons trainer. Oh man I'm so-!"

The loud thwack of leather hitting flesh resounded throughout the room. Pushing up her glasses Ms. Goodwitch spoke, "I will not have you being disrespectful in my school Mr. Argentum." Gulping, the boy bowed his head and apologized before stepping back beside his friends.

"Yes, well," *ahem* "As I was saying, this is Prompto Argentum. He will be, as he said, your weapons and Grimm defense trainer."

Prompto chuckled awkwardly and waved his hand at a still wide-eyed Jaune. He took a minute to breathe and look at new arrivals in the room. "Ooookay. It's, um, nice to meet you all?"

Ignis bowed his head and spoke, "The pleasure is mine, your highness."

Gladio grunted a "Likewise"

Prompto, after a look from Professor Goodwitch, wisely stayed silent and simply waved enthusiastically.

Jaune did a brief double take before looking back at the Headmaster and asking, "Wait, did you say new team?"

Ozpin's smile grew wider. "That I did Mr. Arc"

"But…Does that mean?"

"That you are still a student of Beacon? Yes, yes it does."

Jaune's jaw dropped and he almost started weeping openly then and there. After his transcripts had been leaked, Jaune was sure his tenure at Beacon was over. Yeah he might be the descendant of the last king of Vale but he thought that meant he'd leave Beacon and train with someone for a few years. This meant that not only would he fulfill his destiny, but he could fulfill his childhood dream too.

Jaune took a few moments to collect himself before he spoke again, "I-I don't know what to say! T-thank you sir!"

The Headmaster smiled at his student, "It's the least I can do Mr Arc." Moving to his chair, Ozpin sat down and motioned for the others to do the same as he continued to speak, "There is, however, a caveat to this arrangement."

Gladio was the one that spoke next, "And that would be?"

"The four of you must spend the next year away from Beacon's campus to retrieve the four Royal Arms of Vale."

Jaune snapped his fingers remembering their earlier conversation, "That's right, you said something about me needing to 'lay claim' to them or something. So uh, what are they?"

Ignis, looking over to Jaune, answered, "The four Royal Arms of Vale are weapons of great power wielded by the Line of Arcadia to keep the Kingdom of Vale safe. After the Last King abdicated the throne to the current government it was rumored that four of his closest confidants took the weapons and hid them in Royal Tombs around Remnant to keep them safe."

"That is quite correct Mr Scientia," Ozpin said, nodding his head approvingly, "The only way to prove your legitimacy to the populace is to claim the armaments as only the Line of Arcadia can wield them."

Prompto pumped his fist excitedly, exclaiming, "Awesome! So we just walk up to these tombs, snag our Prince his army-thingies, and shimmy our way right back to Vale and crown Jaune as King! Ba-da-bing ba-da-boom! Piece of cake!"

Gladio smacked Prompto upside the head in annoyance, "Will you let him finish before you run your mouth"

"Ow ow ow ow"

"Thank your Mr Amicitia," clearing his throat, Ozpin continued, "Each of these tombs are both well hidden and very dangerous. At this point we only know the exact location of one Tomb and the general location of two. Unfortunately, the fourth and final tomb is still eluding us."

Shaking his head, Jaune tried to wrap his mind around the mountain of information that had been dumped on him.

"Alright, so now what? I pack up my stuff and we head for the first tomb?"

"As nice as it would be to begin your long journey now, I am afraid not. As much as it pains me to say, your former team was correct in pointing out your lack of training and experience. No, your first step will be traveling back to Ansel to receive the proper training you need to begin your task."

That thought scared him. More than the idea of failing, more than the fear of the challenges ahead, even more than facing what happened with his old team. He hadn't seen his father in months. In fact the last time he spoke with him was the argument they'd had about him going to Beacon the night before he stole the family sword and ran away. Now, even though it would be for training, he'd return home as nothing more than a failure.

The look on Jaune's face must have spoken a thousand words as Ozpin's voice broke through his spiraling thoughts, "Mr Arc, I want you to know that even with your struggles and your setbacks, you are not a failure. You, someone who was denied every chance to get better, who had no training or combat skills to speak of, stood tall in the face of danger and defeat."

Standing from his chair the Headmaster walked over to Jaune and put a hand on his shoulder. "Young man, I believe that you can do this. You can be a Huntsman."

Jaune's jaw dropped and his eyes watered. Those words. His whole life that was all he wanted, needed, to hear. Shortly before his grandfather had passed Jaune had heard those same words from him but Jaune thought that it was just an old man trying to be encouraging to his grandson. Yet here was the Headmaster of Beacon Academy, arguably one of the strongest Huntsman to have ever lived telling him the same thing.

The blonde prince sniffled a bit and wiped his eyes with the back of his sleeve before speaking, his voice thick with emotion, "Thank you sir. I-I don't know if I'm ready yet, but I promise I'll do everything I can to be and an Arc never goes back on his word."

Straightening again and walking back to the window, Ozpin addressed the four students in front of him, "Jaune Arc, Gladiolus Amicitia, Ignis Scientia, and Prompto Argentum," the four teens stood, "I hereby name you Team JASP, led by Jaune Arc."

Beaming, Jaune looked over to his new teammates and felt just a little bit of his burden fall from his shoulders. Looking back to the Headmaster he asked, "What do we need to do now? You said that I need to return to Ansel, when will our bullhead leave?"

Looking over the edge of his mug Ozpin said, "Bullhead? Ah yes, unfortunately our bullheads need their yearly maintenance and as such will be out of commission,"

'Oh so we'll have to stay here for a few days, that's not so bad.'

"For two months"

"What?! Two months?! But? Wha? How?!"

"Well, it seems you boys will just have to walk,"

Jaune and Prompto looked at each other incredulously. Even Ignis and Gladiolus looked nonplussed. The newly named prince looked back at the professor, "B-but that's almost four weeks of walking!"

If the Headmaster was unaware of this information he made no mention of it, "Hmm, I suppose it is isn't it? Better get a move on then."

Jaune's shoulder deflated, "You're not going to let this go are you?"

"I'm sure I have no idea what you're talking about. In any case, Team JASP you have been assigned a dorm room for the night and will depart early tomorrow morning. I have already made contact with your father to let him know of your arrival and we expect you four to be there by the end of the month. Consider this your first test. You four are dismissed."

The four boys of Team JASP nodded their heads in assent before turning to leave. As they made their way into the elevator the Headmaster called out one more time

"Oh and Mr Arc."

The boy stopped and turned around, "Yes sir?"

"Good luck."

As the newly minted Team JASP stepped out of the elevator and made their way to their dorm room, Jaune looked over at his new teammates and spoke with apprehension, "S-so umm…I've uh got to grab some stuff from my…old dorm real quick but I'll be back soon so you guys don't have to wait for me."

As he started to walk away he felt a large hand grab the back of his hoodie. Turning he saw that Gladiolus was the one that stopped him. Before Jaune could say anything the giant teen spoke,

"Where do you think you're going by yourself?"

Stepping forward Ignis pushed up his glasses and said, "While we may have just been introduced, we still have a duty to protect and serve you, Highness. That means sticking together."

Prompto skipped over and threw an arm around Jaune's shoulder and said. "That's right! Even though we just met I'm sure we'll be best buds! We've got your back! Now come on, we gotta grab your stuff so we can hang out and get to know each other a little before our big trip tomorrow!"

"Hmph. Annoying as he is Prompto's right. Come on kid, let's grab your stuff. You ain't doing this alone."

Jaune was stunned by this show of camaraderie. Even his old team, the people he had faced Grimm with, the ones he thought he could trust, didn't stand beside him like he thought. Yet here was a group of people he hadn't even known for twenty minutes showing that they'd support him.

He gave a small smile and nodded, "R-right!"

As the group made their way through the halls Jaune gave them a brief summary of the events of the last few months. He described initiation, meeting his team, struggling with combat class, his confession to Pyrrha about his transcripts, the servitude under Cardin, and finally the Forever Fall trip.

"So that's basically it," Jaune said, hanging his head in shame, "I'm a liar and a fraud. Not really fitting for someone who is supposed to be a king."

Ignis was the first to speak, the bespectacled teen laying a hand on Jaune's shoulder, "While I do disagree with your methods, it does not take away your bravery and resolve to do what you thought was best."

The blonde prince looked at the well-dressed teen in surprise.

"You're not…mad…at me?"

Pushing up his glasses and sighing, Ignis replied, "To be frank, Highness, I think I speak for all three of us when I say that we do not care. It takes a certain kind of soul to be brave enough to face the unknown."

"He right ya know!" Prompto said, skipping ahead of Jaune, "As far as I see it, you're pretty cool! Haven't actually done anything mega bad right?"

Jaune nodded his head, "Yeah…yeah I guess you're right. Thanks."

Gladiolus huffed and pushed Jaune forward, "Alright, alright, enough with the mushy stuff we're almost there."

The boys slowed to a walk in front of Jaune's old dorm. Seeing that the plaque that used to say 'JNPR' now read 'PNR' he shook his head as he raised a hand to knock. After taking a few deep breaths he rapped his knuckles on the door and stepped back. He looked back at his new team who were standing a few feet away in support. Gladiolus nodded while Prompto gave him a thumbs up. Jaune nodded back and turned to look at the door just before it opened to reveal Pyrrha.

"Hello, ye-" she narrowed her eyes when she recognized the sight of her ex-partner, "What?"

Jaune scratched the back of his neck and stuttered out, "I-I um j-just need to g-grab m-my stuff"

Huffing the redheaded Amazonian moved to the side.

"Fine, just make it quick."

Hurriedly stepping inside, Jaune made quick work of his task. Having only brought a few pairs of clothes to Beacon in the first place, packing everything took less than ten minutes. As he was about to open the door a voice stopped him.

"A-are you really leaving?"

He recognized the voice as Nora's. Turning his head to look at her he saw that her eyes were red, almost as if she'd been crying. He looked forward again and opened the door.

"Yeah. I'll be out of you guys' hair by tomorrow. You won't have to worry about me ruining your precious careers."

Ren and Pyrrha stood quickly and opened their mouths to say something but Jaune quickly stepped out and shut the door before hurrying over to the rest of Team JASP.

"C'mon guys, let's go. We've got a long day ahead of us."

As they made their way to the building for housing guest teams, Jaune couldn't help but wonder what that look in Nora's eyes was. She couldn't possibly be upset at him leaving.

'Whatever. Tomorrow, I start my real journey. Wish me luck, Gramps.'

And done! Hope y'all liked Chapter Two. I'm already hard at work on chapter three so hopefully I'll have that out relatively soon. I'm definitely not going to make you guys wait another five years lol. See you next time!