Here we go, pt. 2!
Really hope you all like this. Truly.
Thank you.
Song choice, with context: Lyrcism without Tears.
"Hey, Pyrrha! How about the team spend a night in the city? I've heard there's a really good food stall that's just opened up!"
"Hey, Pyr… is something wrong? You've been a bit distant lately… You know I'm-… that I'll be here, right?"
"Thanks for training me…"
The first thing she took in was his eyes.
They were different.
Pyrrha's breaths were short. He was dead, deaddeaddead, why is he back, did she fail, what did it all mean?!
Still, she knew there was no denying it. Voice, head, build, shades of hair and eyes, they were Jaune's.
But everything else inside was screaming at her. Her instincts yelled danger, danger, danger! Get away, as fast as you can! But her heart told her it was her old friend. He's here, he's here to say, he cares for you, he sees you as a person, he's back and he's heretostay!
Pyrrha looked frantically at Jaune, sweating fiercely and footing unstable. She couldn't focus…
Danger!
Friend.
His eyes were different, there was a lack of light she saw frequently in the Fang's. In Adam's. There was- no- He- He was a killer! Murderer!
His eyes softened as he looked at her.
No no no, this was Jaune! Her leader, kind-hearted, dorky, honest-!
Jaune took a step forwards.
Pyrrha's vision tunnelled. She stumbled back, grabbing Milò and her shield from the ground. She readied her weapons and levelled them at him, her eyes hazy and her stance wavering. Barely, she registered the rest of JNPR and RWBY doing the same.
Jaune paused. He almost sighed. Then, he detached his sheathed katana from his hip. He gripped its sheath with his left arm and drew the sword free with his mechanical right as he took another step.
….Brrtt….!
The hum of electricity could be heard, circling the blade and making it glow red from its properties. The sword was free from its sheath, and Jaune took another step towards Pyrrha.
Her eyes were glued to that red sword, her instincts flaring back up. Danger, killer, Taurus!
Pyrrha took another step backwards, her breaths short and quick. "S-stay back!"
Jaune paused, lowering his sword just a bit and letting it point toward the ground.
His eyes flashed with regret, acceptance, and sadness. She knew… of course she did.
He was a blade's length away from her.
Wordlessly, Jaune lifted his blade again and pointed it at Pyrrha. He let its tip hover just before her shield, electricity creeping from the blade to her shield.
Pyrrha looked into his eyes and her resolve started to waver once more.
Killer! Killer, Killer! Beat him now!
Old friend…
'He's angry at you, he wants you dead because you left him to die!'
'No, Jaune would never do that! …Right?'
Her vision grew hazy.
'I- I…'
Jaune went into a stance, ready to pierce her with his weapons. She heard her friends prepare their weapons, all cocked and ready to shoot at Jaune. The others also grew tense, that cyborg growling and the Grimm-man readying his knife. Pyrrha panicked and brought her shield up, Jaune's sword firm in his right hand.
Her eyes darted around Jaune's form. Where was he going to attack from?! Left, right, above, below, behind-?!
Jaune opened his right hand.
His sword fell to the ground.
Pyrrha's gaze shot to the falling sword, all notions of hostility forgotten. 'W-what-?!'
Jaune dashed forwards. Pyrrha barely had time to react. He grabbed her shield-wielding hand and pulled her towards him.
Her reflexes shot in.
Pyrrha let the shield go and took a knee, turning Miló into a rifle. She wildly aimed it at Jaune with her two hands, her finger on the trigger. Her finger started to squeeze the trigger. Fire at will-!
Before she could register, Jaune stepped forwards again, standing right in front of her. Pyrrha's eyes widened.
No, she couldn't make the shot-!
With the shield, Jaune pushed her rifle up and let it aimed above his head. He pulled her into him and pulled her tight into a hug.
Pyrrha gasped, struggling against his grip. She needed to break free, get back to her weapons-!
Jaune took a breath beside her.
She stopped.
"Let it go, Pyrrha." His right arm, the one holding the shield, broke her grip on the rifle. "I'm here…"
"W-what…?"
Jaune leaned closer and spoke beside her ear. "I'm back. You can stop now..." He said. "Time for you to let go of your regrets… and live in the present."
Pyrrha stumbled over her words. She felt Jaune's fingers guide her own. He led her to let go of her rifle. It fell to the ground with his shield, and he held her closer.
"Let it go…"
Pyrrha let out a broken sob. He hugged her close as she slowly unraveled.
Jaune closed his eyes as well, hugging her close. "Relax, Pyr… I'm here…"
"I-I…!"
"Shh…"
"….It's been so long…!"
Jaune smiled and nodded, ever so slightly. "Not a second more."
Pyrrha sobbed. She cried, burying her face against his metal shoulder. "I've missed you…"
"Same here." Jaune closed his eyes, his own vision starting to blur. He tightened his grip on her. His smile was wobbly, his voice shaking. "I-I'm sorry it took so long…"
They stayed like that for some time, the crowd slowly lowering their weapons. No hostility, no shots fired… a moment of peace in the battlefield.
A chuckle sounded from the crowd. "Looks like you got a heart after all..."
Jaune opened his eyes and looked past Pyrrha, smiling at his rival. "Shut up, Jack."
Raiden closed his eye with a smile and sheathed HF Crocea. He shook his head. "Never seen you so happy. It's so sweet my teeth's beginning to rot."
"Heh, metal teeth?"
"Metal arm?"
"Touché." Jaune chuckled. He pulled away from Pyrrha and looked at the rest of his friends with a sad smile.
"This all began the day I left." Jaune looked away, past all of them and toward Beacon Academy. "And I-… I didn't expect to come back. Everything's changed…" He looked at Pyrrha. "But I'm still here. You're all still here, still alive…" Jaune smiled, sincere. "I'm not asking for anything more. Seeing you all… it's enough for me."
"How…" Ren spoke up. Seeing Jaune's neutrality, the others started to lower their weapons, Raiden and Venom included. Ren turned to him. "How can you still be alive…?"
Jaune shook his head. "It's a long story, and one that doesn't end well. You won't like it, Ren. But-!"
"That doesn't matter!" Nora screamed. "Leader… why didn't you come back? Why are you back now?!"
"…" Jaune looked to Nora and stared her right in the eye. His eyes grew solemn. Back to the task at hand. "Because there's still things I have to do. Things you wouldn't like to now… but the truth's never easy to hear."
"Jaune…" Nora whispered.
"I'll explain… I'll explain everything." Jaune said. He found the resolve within himself, even as his shoulders sagged. For the first time…
He felt tired.
"I'll tell you all… and what needs to happen next. I- I won't let my past be destroyed." Jaune turned to Raiden. "I've got this. Take care of the others. We'll brief back at the ACC."
"Got it." After a pause, he gave Jaune a short nod. "Don't let this break you, Jaune."
Jaune gave a wry smile in response. "When has it ever?"
"Too many to count."
"Then don't forget to keep track this time."
Raiden chuckled. With that, he turned around and sheathed his sword. He started to walk deeper into Beacon, towards its Glynda and her crew.
Before they could say a word, Venom holstered his weapons and spoke to them. "I think we can see that everything's in order here. How about we lower our weapons and talk?"
In response, Glynda's gaze shot to Mr. Arc. Out of all of the Haven representatives, he was the one who seemed the least tense. Raiden was ready for combat, eager to test out his abilities. Venom Snake, while he didn't want to fight, had a calmness that meant he was expecting anything to happen.
In the beginning, Glynda thought that this meant they were ready to fight for Salem. That this was truly about to go down, an all-out brawl in Beacon's doorsteps.
But when she saw Mr. Arc, she realized he was none of that. And while he seemed happy to be back, there was another air about him. He seemed…. resigned. Weary, prepared for a fight and enjoy it too, but he was tired. A tiredness Glynda didn't know meant what.
"…Very well." Glynda relented. "We'll talk. Headmaster Ozpin should have his office ready for us. Follow me."
The crowd split. Winter, Ironwood, Qrow, and reluctantly, Indigo, followed Glynda as she lead Venom and Raiden toward Ozpin's office, though not before shooting her brother one last glance.
Jaune gave her a small, almost unnoticeable nod. 'I'll see you later… Love you, sis.'
Indigo tried to give a smile. Tried, but she had to keep moving. Had to find the truth…
But Jaune… will he ever forgive her?
But she had to save what she had…
And who knows what type of man he was now…
Indigo turned her head and followed Glynda once more. She'll find him later, and then there'd be apologies and explanations.
Jaune turned back to Teams JNPR and RWBY with his arms crossed. He stared them down, looking at how they were.
His old friends…
He smiled. He truly was glad to see them again.
But even so, he must tell them. What he's done, what he thinks… and what they shouldn't be doing.
He turned around and motioned the others to follow suit, to head deeper into Beacon Academy.
He expected the others to follow suit. And judging by scurrying footsteps and sheathed weapons, they did.
For the longest time, JNPR was his home.
After his father died, he only had Nora by his side. They travelled the world together, saw sights both good and bad, and scurried along dank alleys like street rats. In that time, Ren grew used to her presence. She was always there by his side, even as the times changed, and the sights along with them.
Mistral, Vacuo, Atlas, Vale, and then Beacon. They've been to them all.
When they came to Beacon, Ren didn't expect much. Sure he would get a team, hopefully with Nora, but that was it. Whoever became their other two teammates, he didn't mind as much. They'd coexist, graduate, and then they'd separate and went on with their own lives.
He didn't expect it to be so welcoming. To have two others watch your back at all times, spending day in and day out as a team together. Even though he was the most passive of the others, even he got swept up with their times. Laughing, enjoying the process, trusting each other, he grew to love it sincerely.
But then the times were shattered. Jaune died, and nothing was ever the same. Pyrrha spent her days improving as a leader, trying as hard as she could. Nora was devastated with Jaune's loss, but she always put on a smile to save what little there was. And him, well, he tried to be the voice of reason. Because if he didn't act as the voice of reason, who was going to be?
He wasn't going to lose the one home he had left. Not this time.
But then, as he looked at Jaune, he realised that JNPR still had each other. They had team RWBY too, the Arc Family, Professor Glynda, Headmaster Ozpin, and much more he couldn't name.
When Ren looked at Jaune, he realised that was the one thing his leader didn't have.
He may have left them back then, but it wasn't for another, wasn't to betray them or anything like that. Those two-and-a-half years, all that time they thought he was dead, the time he was gone…
He was alone.
He was happy to see them again, sure. But beneath that, his eyes were tired, his shoulders were sagged, and every step he took was ready for another round of combat. His eyes still flickered wildly around, hand never leaving his sword's hilt.
Ren walked behind his leader, who was leading JNPR and RWBY towards the combat room. As they all followed his lead, people started to whisper, point and question their gaze at the dead man walking in their midst.
All the while, Jaune took every step with a weariness no Hunter-in-Training should have.
Ren still followed behind his leader, though. The halls' lights seemed to shine on him, casting him into two sides. On one side, Ren saw a familiar sight. His leader's scraggly blonde hair, wearing a black hoodie and a pair of jeans. Crocea was strapped at his left as he stood straight and proud, happy to just be with his friends. The other…
He saw a worn-down warrior with a ponytail and a white suit. His hand was always on his katana's hilt, and he stood with a slouch, ready for war. He barely recognised this one at all.
He didn't know which to save.
He didn't know what his leader might have done, and he didn't dare think of it.
He thought his leader died alone, a long long time ago. But did he truly?
In that time alone, he lost control.
Keep a smile, no matter how bleak everything was!
That was the motto she held dear in her heart. No matter how obnoxious she may seem, how loud her voice was, she truly believed that with cheer, everything could be better. Ren would give her reason, Pyrrha would give them team attacks, and her job was to keep everyone happy.
After all, how else were they supposed to keep going?
Ren might've been a bit distant when they came to Beacon, but she was always welcome to anyone who came by. It didn't matter if it was just a simple greeting, or if they wanted to be true friends, greet everyone with the same smile she always did! If they didn't like it, well, one person's opinion won't bring her down. If they did like it, then that's one plus friend!
As such, that was the way she treated Jaune and Pyrrha when they became their teammates. A smile, a laugh, and a hope that they'd at least be able to be amicable. But in the end, what she got was much more than that. Jaune, while a bit awkward around her in her earlier attempts, got used to her and welcomed her eccentrics. And Pyrrha, well, she was just happy she got a chance at a normal life. Ren was Ren, she didn't need to worry about him that much.
And when she kept on her behaviour, they didn't leave her or got tired. They got a bit exasperated, sure, but they smiled at her jokes, laughed at her silly little stories. Accepted that she was just that way with her presence, and that it didn't bother them one bit.
For a while, it seemed she had found two other 'Ren's, two other people who'd stick by her no matter how she was.
And then it changed. They lost Jaune, and the little addition that was torn away felt more like a crater that she didn't know if she could ever fill. Like it or not, in the small time that Jaune was with her, with them, things were so much happier, so much more lively, that she didn't know if she'd ever bounce back.
But that was a question she couldn't ask. Pyrrha tried her best, and Ren… though he seemed like he wanted to be the voice of reason, that didn't mean that the stress didn't take a toll on him. He had to act as Pyrrha's second thoughts, her calming voice, lest they lose her too.
Of course, losing her team wasn't something that Nora wanted. So she kept on. Smiled, cheered, and joked around, laughed in the face of danger.
After all, if she didn't, who would? This was her role, and as long as she got to keep two others, she'd be just fine. It didn't matter what she thought. What she felt, what she worried about…. As long as the team kept running, and she got everyone's smiles too, then everything. Was. Fine.
She resolved herself to the fact that this was the way things were gonna go. That she'd have to keep on the effort until who knows when.
She didn't expect him to come back.
At first, she felt happy. He's back. Then she felt confused. Why did it take him so long? Why made them suffer? Then, betrayal. Why'd he choose that 'Raiden', over them? What made him so much better than his old team?
But she calmed her thoughts and looked deeper into her leader. Contrary to popular belief, she wasn't blind to how people felt. She may greet everyone with a loud voice and a blinding smile, but it still took skill to differentiate between fond exasperation and genuine annoyance. And when she looked at Jaune…
She felt he was the closest to breaking of them all.
She didn't dare think of what he might've done…
Most of all, she didn't know how to heal someone so lost.
He was back.
Why?
She failed him. Made him suffer alone… all the while she got caught up and chased the Fang.
She failed. She failedfailedfailed! Everything she did, it was nothing and she left her partner alone.
She never felt worse about anything in her life.
And now… he came back. Hugged her close, and told her to let it go. Live in the present.
He didn't blame her, he still cared for her… how could he do that?
How could he do that, when he himself wasn't like that at all? She saw that he was tired. He was weary, ready for a battle. Something's changed within him. Something she's seen in others before... something she's seen in the Fang.
But he still cared for her. Still the same dork she- she loved once.
But she didn't know how much of that remained, where the line was crossed.
Jaune… a killer?
No. He couldn't be. Not someone sweet and honest like him…
…Right?
Jaune didn't bother looking back as he walked along Beacon's halls. He knew RWBY and JNPR were following him, and that was exactly what he needed.
As he walked, people started to notice.
"Hey, is that-."
"No way…"
"Isn't he supposed to be dead?"
"He looks different… no way it's that useless dork."
He ignored the students' whispers, those who once saw him roam these very halls.
He's moved on, completed his training with Master.
The only ones left that were important were ones he couldn't let go.
After some time, he reached his destination and opened the door, turning on the lights as he did so; a small arena for Beacon's students to train in, complete with spectator seats and a huge screen to show Aura levels.
With a nod to himself, he stepped inside and motioned for Teams RWBY and JNPR to take a seat. They did as he suggested, and Jaune dragged a plastic seat and sat in front of them.
He took a good look at everyone there. Pyrrha, Ren, Nora, Ruby, Yang, Weiss, and Blake. All looking at him for an explanation, why he left, why he didn't come back, where he'd been. Jaune sighed, his hand still on his sword's hilt. He really needed to get that habit off, at least when he's here.
"Well!" Jaune clapped his hands. He forced a smile. Cheerful first. "I guess if we want to talk about where I've been, we should start with my Semblance. It's called Teleportation, and in the blink of an eye, I can teleport to anywhere I think. For example! I can go back to Haven, to the old Arc mansion, and Beacon. The control's a bit finicky, though. There's a chance I'll fall from a high place, or a chance to get lost and teleported to a random place… that's how I managed to survive, that time."
"So… you got away from the Grimm?" Yang asked.
"Just barely." Jaune nodded. "Got sent to a place called the U.C. The United Continents. It's… off the shore of Remnant."
"Off the shore?" Pyrrha said. "What do you mean?"
"You won't find it in any of the maps, Pyr." Jaune said. "Once you get past a certain point through any ocean, there's gonna be a lot of Grimm. Go past that, and you're home free to the U.C."
"But you said that you can go anywhere." Ren said. "So… why didn't you just come back?"
"Because I didn't have control of my Semblance. Imagine, if I got lost that far, how far will I get lost then? And besides, Aura there was practically non-existent. It was meant to be a secret… and I just had something else to do."
"Something else?" Nora shouted. "Jaune, why-!"
"Master died."
Silence.
Pyrrha spoke up first. "Master…?"
Jaune heaved a sigh. "A man named Sakata Rodrigues took me in. He… he gave me something to look forward to, because I had no way home. Trained me in his school, the Rodrigues Shadow School. Up until my master promotion… then a traitor killed him. Killed him because he chose me, because I came along and took his spot. So I couldn't go back home. Not when that person was still running around."
"So… did you get him?" Ren asked.
"Yeah!" Ruby said. "Brought him to justice, right? Made sure the police-!"
"After that night… I became a killer, Ruby."
Pause.
"W-what…?" Ruby's meek voice spoke out.
"I didn't hold back. And for reference, the people there didn't have Aura. Just goons. Every gunshot, blocked by Aura. Swords, I parried. I fought them all. Crushed their organisation."
"…So you…" Blake trailed off. Her eyes dawned with realisation "You're just like The White Fang."
"I didn't hold back." Jaune said. "Afterwards, I realised there was a lot more that could be done. There were still criminals around. Street thugs, international crime rings, and private military companies. They didn't have Hunters there. Everyone was still reeling from the previous crisis, the Fall of The Patriots. So I took up the sword. Things needed to be taken care of. The cartel. The Dojima Family. Desperado. I fought them, because I thought it was justice. Didn't hold back. If I just defended, then that meant the threats won't stop. I had to attack. Beat them all. That's what I did, for a long time. But then…." Jaune chuckled, empty. He moved his mechanical right arm in front of his audience.
"I lost."
"I lost to a man named Armstrong. He was was, well, strong. He had a huge network under his belt. World Marshall and Desperado… not to mention his Nanomachine Augmentation." His left fingers traced the connection with his mechanical right hand. "He ripped me in two with his bare hands. He- He locked my Aura. So… after that, I gave up. What else was I supposed to fight for? I didn't have the last part of Remnant anymore."
"Gave up..?" Nora asked.
"He got me. And I couldn't beat him. What cause should I fight for anymore? So I worked under him. I became a contract killer. Hundreds of operations. Destabilising nations, crushing rebel groups, propping up puppet governments… What cause did I have anymore? I can't beat him. I got my codename. Jetstream Jaune. Fastest blade in Desperado. Heh, even now, I'm still faster than Raiden."
Yang sputtered. "…You… you-!"
"You wanna know why I didn't come back?" Jaune interrupted Yang. "Because I didn't see a reason to. Not when there's no point anymore. Not when you lose. Besides…" Jaune chuckled. "Who'd want to be with a terrorist like me? One that was the best around."
"And then Raiden came along. A better version of me. More stubborn, more headstrong… he wasn't willing to give up after I gave him a taste of my own medicine." Jaune chuckled and tapped his right arm. "He's much better than I was… so I gave him HF Crocea. To continue what I couldn't finish. And he did." Jaune smiled. "He beat me fair and square. Took down Armstrong, saved Wolfy…"
"But suddenly, I got an opportunity I didn't expect. My Semblance activated again, brining Raiden along with me. Went on a little journey to Mistral. Found Leo. The rest, beating Leo, beating Raven… is history."
"There's a plot to bring down Beacon, and the person who's behind it can control the Grimm. Beacon… and Vale. I saw all of you. Doing your own vigilantism. All the while Remnant is at threat. So I'm back. I'm here to stop them. Me, a former terrorist. So I'm here to show you… just how wrong you really are."
Pause.
"Wrong?" Blake asked. "Sounds to me like the one who's in the wrong is you. What right does a killer have to come back and give a lecture?"
Jaune chuckled. "Oh, that's rich, coming from you, Blake!" He clapped his hands and forced a laugh. "That's exactly why I'm here, why you're all so wrong. You think you're hot shit? You think what you're doing is right? Don't be so blind, Blake! You're all way in over your heads. I'm an example of how low you can get. I told you; I'm not here as an enemy. But I don't have a problem with being one either."
"Leader… what're you saying?" Nora said. "You can't just- can't just kill everyone and not think about it! It's not right!"
"So?" Jaune raised an eyebrow. He waved off their concerns. "So are the White Fang. So is Raven. So was Leonardo. So am I. Everyone has a backstory. Told you, two years in Desperado, fastest around. Raiden may have beaten me… but even he was affected by Armstrong. "
"Jaune… how could you?" Pyrrha whispered.
Jaune's eyes shifted to his old partner.
"We're doing this… we're doing this so what happened to you won't happen again." Pyrrha said. "How could you show no mercy? Be- Be just like them?"
"I could say the same." Jaune shot back. "I never asked for you to avenge me. Never asked for you to be this hard on yourself."
"Just because they killed someone doesn't mean we get to let loose!" Ruby cried out. "We have to be better than them! Fair and square, kind and merciful!"
"This isn't a game, Ruby." Jaune shot Ruby a stare. "Have any of you ever lost?"
"We lost you, Jaune." Ren said solemnly. "We know exactly what's at stake."
"Really~?" Jaune laughed. He clapped his hands. "You do? So naïve, Ren!"
"You're saying we just stand back and watch Vale get destroyed?" Weiss asked.
Jaune laughed again. "Silly girl. You think stopping the Fang is enough?"
He looked to Blake. "You think your little ex's the peak of the problem?"
To Yang. "You felt the thrill of battle too, right? What's stopping you from going over the line?"
To Ruby. "A simple motivation of 'doing what's right' won't be enough. How long will idealism hold up? Your father certainly saw the flaw."
To Ren. "You're the calming voice of reason. What happens when anger takes hold?"
To Nora. "So cheerful. Don't you realise you're ruining lives? The White Fang had family too, had to pay the bills for the family…. And you destroyed their lives with a smash and a smile."
And finally, to Pyrrha. "You're doing this because I died, right? Then it's not so pure after all. Not so 'right', isn't it?"
To all of them. "If I didn't die, would you be this intense in your cause? If you didn't fear losing someone else, would you have stopped the White Fang with such prejudice? Don't pull the hero card on me, 'acuse I've seen it so many times before."
"How long until you lose someone else? How long until your resolves crack? How long until they shatter? How long until it's no longer viable? Face it. None of you are heroes. You're all out for yourselves, for your own satisfaction."
"That's not true." Pyrrha said firmly. "We're not perfect, but we'll stop them all… and we'll do it our way. Won't stoop down to their levels. I- I'm doing this to save everyone! Because of you!"
"What makes you so special?" Jaune asked. "When, when you lose…. what makes your resolve stronger than mine was back then?"
"We have each other..." Pyrrha said. But then, even to her, her words sounded hollow.
"Pyrrha, you went on a vengeance streak because one person died. What happens if another one dies?"
"I-I…" Pyrrha struggled to find the words. No, nononono, this wasn't right! Not him! "Being a murderer isn't the way! We lost you, and- and it's been hard! We can't just- just do the same! C-can't you see, Jaune?"
"See what, Pyrrha? Tell me, please, because all I see are a bunch of hopefuls too caught up with themselves. You think The Fang's the worst the world's got? You're all in over your fucking heads. Have you ever seen brains get extracted? Forceful cyborg experimentation? Torture? Slavery? Of course not!" Jaune laughed. "Some threats won't be enough to catch. Live in the present, Pyr. Realise this isn't something you can play without consequences."
"You're saying we should kill?!"
"I WON'T WATCH MY FRIENDS FALL!"
Silence.
Jaune took a deep breath. "I'm not saying you shouldn't fight. I'm not saying we should let the White Fang get loose. But know of the dangers. And then… who's to say you won't end up like me? So until you see the present, give up, and let those who are willing handle it. Don't act like you can stay above the line forever. Because if you cross it then, you won't climb back out the dark."
Pause.
"…What happened to you?" Pyrrha whispered.
Jaune closed his eyes. It hurt for him to show them this side… but the truth wasn't easy to hear. "The times have changed, Pyrrha. You want to fight the Fang? Want to stop Salem from taking over? You'll fail. You'll lose. You're not strong enough. You're just a bunch of kids with no idea how terrible the world is. So give up! Go home! This isn't a fight for any of you. Come back when you're ready! Stop playing around, because THERE'S NOTHING FOR YOU IN THE BATTLEFIELD!"
"…"
"No."
Jaune looked at Pyrrha.
"That won't happen." Pyrrha's eyes sharpened. "Not now. We'll fight, but we won't stoop that low. Just because you became…. whatever this is, doesn't mean that we'll be the same."
Jaune shook his head. "Stubborn, Pyrrha." He flashed into the centre of the arena. "I can't stop you. Not anymore, I've learned that. All of you will want to fight the Fang your own way. There's a reason we have graduated Hunters, a reason we have the police and the military… but if you think you're so strong, so sure, then show me."
Pyrrha went still. Surely he can't mean! "Jaune-."
"Face your greatest failure." Jaune bent his knees, hand on HF Murasama's hilt. Discreetly, he turned off its HF enhancements. "You say you've got each other? The strength of companionship? Come on, then. Don't lie after you've said that so proud…"
Jaune took a deep breath as he saw his old team rise to his challenge. This was a training room. Up against a hammer, a pair of submachine guns, and a spear-shield combo.
Doing this in a training section…
Hammers, submachine guns, and spears…
Just like old times…
It hurt.
But he can't show that now.
Jaune beckoned her forth. "I'll show you how wrong you are, Champion of Mistral!"
Pyrrha's eyes flashed. Without warning, she jumped to the stage and drew her weapons. She swung Milò at Jaune, who deftly dodged it by tilting his head. In one swift move, he drew HF Murasama and blocked two strikes from behind.
Ren's Stormflower and Nora's Magnhild.
He smirked and felt his mask deploy.
"Let's dance!"
Team JNPR
Jaune roared and slammed a fist into the ground. The room shook, knocking his opponents off balance and stumbling back. He readied his sword in his classic Rodrigues stance. From his vision, he saw Ren, Nora and Pyrrha circle him with their weapons ready.
Jaune chuckled. Ah, this was gonna be great.
He relaxed his stance and let his sword rest against his right shoulder. He stood straight and opened his palm with a smirk. "Come at me!"
Pyrrha roared. She charged Jaune headfirst, turning Milò into a spear. She moved to stabbed first, Jaune moving to the side and avoiding the blow. She stabbed again and again and again, relentless. Jaune stepped aside from each strike.
"HAAAAH!" Pyrrha yelled and brought her spear down from above. Jaune chuckled and blocked it with his right hand.
Clang!
"Is that all, Pyr?" Jaune smiled. "Where's your spirit?!" Before she could react, Pyrrha felt a foot slam into her gut. She was sent flying back, rolling on the ground and barely stopping herself.
Bangbangbangbang!
Jaune clicked his tounge as he felt bullets bounce against his back. He brought HF Murasama up and turned around, seeing Ren jump around as he fired his guns. Jaune quickly brought his sword up and started deflecting his opponent's shots.
Bangbangclickclickclick!
Ren finished his barrage and and jumped back a good distance away, reloading his weapons. Seeing the ninja pause, Jaune slowly lowered his sword and analysed Ren. What was he going to do-?!
"TAKE THIS!"
'Nora!' Jaune turned around with his knees bent and quickly blocked up, stopping Magnhild's downwards slam with HF Murasama.
BOOOM!
A shockwave burst out, and the ground beneath them cracked.
Nora smiled. That was her strongest hit, he's got to have felt that-!
"Heheh…."
'W-what..?' Nora felt herself struggling to keep Magnhild in place. Jaune… he was pushing her back!
Jaune mischievous eyes looked into Nora's shocked own. He smirked beneath his mask. "Try harder, Nora!"
Jaune flashed away.
Nora felt herself stumble forwards. She quickly stabilized herself. Where did he go-?!
She heard the sound of a gunsheath firing from above her. Nora looked up, and only just saw Jaune descending with his sword flying out.
"RARGH!" Jaune swung down as he fell, striking Nora head on. A cloud of dust shot up from the impact, obscuring everyone from the view.
Pyrra stood up and shook herself ready. Damn, that hit! She readied her weapons again, watching the dust cloud closely. Anytime now…
BANG!
The gunsheath fired again. The dust parted and revealed Jaune dashing towards her, HF Murasama flying out of its sheath. She prepared her shield to block his attack.
Jaune reached Pyrrha and he swung down on her.
Clang!
Pyrrha grit her teeth as she skid back from the block. Her stance became wobbly, her knees weak and her arms heavy. That blow was- she could barely block it!
"HAAAAAH!"
Pyrrha looked up and saw Jaune closing the distance. She brought her shield up and blocked a downwards swing, knees trembling more. She pushed her shield forwards, to counterattack-!
Faster than she expected, Jaune pulled his sword back and attacked again from the right. She barely had time to block.
"Tch." Jaune brought his sword back and attacked again, this time from an angle she barely saw.
Pyrrha blocked it, just barely. 'I- I can't make an opening!'
Jaune pulled his sword back and attacked again. And again. And again. Relentless.
It took all of Pyrrha's focus to just keep up.
'Left!' Block.
'Right!' Block.
'Above!' Block.
'Low!' Block.
Pyrrha felt sweat running down her brow. Each blow was draining her, leaving her with barely any footing, not to mention her Aura. Dammit, she needed an opening!
She analysed Jaune's swings. He was fast, he was strong, but the blows were a pattern. Left, Right, Above, Below.
Subtly, she used her Semblance to pull Ren and Nora's weapons ever so slightly. From behind Jaune, she saw Nora and Ren clear themselves and get the message.
Jaune continued attacking her, more and more as she slowly lost ground. She did her best to parry his attacks, not getting a chance to attack back. She took note of the attacks. Keep it up, just a little bit more! From the left…
'Come on guys… '
From the right!
'One…'
From above!
'Two…'
From below!
Pyrrha smirked. 'Three!'
Pyrrha jumped Jaune's low strike.
That was the signal.
Nora and Ren dashed in from behind him to attack. Jaune growled and prepared to dodge the two. However before he could do so, Pyrrha shifted her weapon into a rifle and fired from above.
Jaune grit his teeth, stuck in a hard place. 'Dammit!'
Nora brought her hammer down on him, and Ren came in from the side with a kick. All the while, Pyrrha fired shots as she descended. As she reached the end, she shifted her weapon into a sword and swung down on him too.
All three attacks came at him at the same time. Jaune clenched his teeth and focused his stance.
Clang!
He didn't budge one bit, the weapons stopping uselessly against his chest.
Jaune prepared to move, a sweeping arc from his sword. Strike them back-!
"REN! NOW!"
Jaune felt Ren swipe Stormflower at his knees. Jaune grunted as he was forced to kneel. He turned around and prepared to attack Ren. Damn ninjas-!
CLANG!
He felt the back of his head bashed in by Pyrrha's shield. He took a step forwards, his vision and balance slightlyaffected.
"NORA! NOW!"
"TAAAAKE THIS!"
Nora brought her hammer from a low position to high, smashing Jaune's face in.
"Gah!" Jaune stepped back, his face struck back. His gaze was forced to the ceiling. He took a step back. Then another, and another. He growled and he gathered himself. With a breath, he refocused and looked forwards, right in front of him.
"TOGETHER!"
He saw Pyrrha, Ren, and Nora all dashing at him.
Jaune let out a breath.
Now this…
Maybe there's a bit of hope after all.
But not just yet.
Jaune smirked and twirled his sword. He slammed his foot down and got back into the Rodrigues stance. "Let's go!"
Nora reached him and struck first, Magnhild moving from the side as she charged him head-on. Jaune blocked it with HF Murasama. As he held it in place, he saw Ren coming at him from the side.
Jaune smiled.
He ducked, letting Magnhild soar past. As he did so, he kicked Ren in the gut mid-movement and forced him back.
Jaune heard footsteps from behind. 'Pyrrha.' He brought his sword behind him and used its back to block Pyrrha's spear. He pushed Pyrrha's sword away and swung while spinning, striking Pyrrha. Pyrrha blocked the blade, but skid back from the blow.
Jaune prepared to engage, but heard light footsteps approaching from his side. "Ren…" Jaune smiled and turned to face his male teammate. He saw Ren preparing to attack him in melee range.
Jaune threw his sword up. Getting into a martial arts stance, he prepared himself against his opponent.
"Hyah!" Ren came at him swinging Stormflower from the side. Jaune blocked it with his right arm. Pushing it aside, Jaune punched with his the same arm. Ren stepped to the side and swiped at Jaune's eyes. Jaune leaned back, the blade almost cutting his hair. Jaune did a kick as he recovered as fast as he could. Ren blocked it with Stormflower, skidding back from the blow.
Ren fell to a knee as soon as he stopped. He wheezed out a breath. "Twenty percent…" His vision hazed slightly. He had to get back up…
"STAY STILL!"
Jaune heard Nora approaching from the side. She swung at him at chest-level. Jaune leaned forwards, the hammer head flying past his back. He straightened himself and saw Nora preparing another attack, heaving her hammer. Jaune chuckled. 'Slow.'
He threw a jab at Nora's face. Nora braved through it and swung again. Jaune leaned back, dodging with a smile. With her guard open, Jaune threw a punch at her stomach.
Nora didn't flinch, but a tick appeared on her forehead.
"Grr…" Nora heaved her hammer again as Jaune bounced in his step, mocking her speed. She lifted her hammer high, preparing for a grand slam. "HAVE SOME OF THIS!"
Jaune smirked.
Just as Nora brought her hammer down, Jaune moved faster than he could see and jumped high towards to his falling sword.
SLAM!
The ground shook, Nora looking wildly for her opponent.
Jaune grabbed his sword.
Before Nora could react, Jaune spun as he descended. He landed behind her and swung at her back.
"AAAHH!" Nora stumbled forwards, letting go of her weapon and clutching her back. She collapsed on the floor, gasping for breath. She fell unconscious not even a second later.
Aura at 5%.
"NORA!" Ren screamed. No… Jaune wouldn't do that! But- Nora's out already?!
Jaune sheathed his sword back and turned at Ren. With a mocking smile, he flashed away.
Ren's eyes looked around. From where-?!
He heard the sound of gunfire from behind.
Ren turned around frantically and prepared to block a gunfire-enhanced swing-!
Wait… no one's there?!
Ren felt the air change behind him. He turned around as fast as he could, but…
Jaune was already mid-swing.
Ren crossed his arms, the best he could defend.
"GRAH!"
His Aura took the blow full force, Jaune's sword breaking through his defenses. With his guard open, Aura at 15%, Jaune swung again at Ren's chest.
"AH!" Ren stumbled back, taking the blow with no defense and Aura at 10%. He had to jump away, get to safety-!
He felt a hand close on his head. Before he could scream, he felt himself being pulled to the ground and the back of his head slammed on the concrete floor.
Ren's outstretched hand fell to the floor, the ninja now unconscious. Jaune chuckled and turned to Pyrrha, now alone and holding her spear-and-shield combo. "You're the only one left. So come on, leader…
…What's your next move?"
Pyrrha looked around. Nora and Ren were unconscious, their weapons strewn about. All that's left was her and Jaune.
Her and her opponent.
Pyrrha took a deep breath and closed her eyes. No pressure. No pressure.
You're a champion.
Pyrrha opened her eyes.
Give it your all.
"JAUUUNNNEE!"
"GIVE IT YOUR ALL, PYRRHA!"
Pyrrha dashed forwards with Miló in sword form. Jaune did the same, HF Murasama glowing red.
They attacked at the same time, swords meeting halfway.
Clang!
Jaune and Pyrrha skid past each other, their weapons recoiling from the clash. They stopped and turned around, bringing their weapons to attack. Jaune swung from above while Pyrrha swung from below. Their attacks met again, Jaune pushing through and Pyrrha recoiling back.
Jaune's sword hit the ground, planted, as Pyrrha stepped back. Pyrrha stepped forwards with her shield to bash Jaune's head. Jaune looked up and let go of his sword, stepping to the side and dodging the attack. Jaune threw a haymaker at Pyrrha's head with his right arm. Pyrrha parried it with Miló.
Pyrrha changed her grip on Miló to a reverse grip and moved to pummel Jaune's head with the blunt end of her sword. Jaune grabbed her attack with his left hand and kept it in place. Before she could move, Jaune kneed her right in the stomach.
"Ack!" Pyrrha doubled over. She felt Jaune preparing to strike her down. She quickly gathered herself.
No, not yet!
It's not over yet!
Pyrrha quickly pulled away, just barely missing Jaune's elbow on her neck. She focused and readied her shield and Miló in sword form. Jaune grabbed his sword from the ground and leveled it against her, Rodrigues stance.
They took deep breaths. Pyrrha's short, Jaune's calm.
Pyrrha yelled and charged again, shield first. Jaune swung from the right, expecting Pyrrha to block-!
Instead, Pyrrha threw her shield mid-charge straight at Jaune's face. Jaune's eyes widened and he quickly changed his attack to bat the shield away.
His guard was open.
"HAAAAAHHH!" Pyrrha lunged with everything she had, Miló stabbing forwards first. Jaune's eyes narrowed as he saw the sword coming.
Closer…
Closer…
He flashed away.
Pyrrha skid to a stop. No-!
She felt her feet being swept under her from behind. Her body was tilted up by gravity, and she looked above her.
Jaune looked down, silver sword high, mask on, and eyes mischievous.
"It's over, Pyr."
He swung his sword down with nothing held back.
BOOM!
Pyrrha felt the sword hit her body, Aura barely protecting her and back slamming then rebounding from the concrete floor. Dust and debris flew from the impact, covering her vision and clogging her throat.
She felt pain flare up across her body.
Aura… 0%.
Pyrrha gasped for breath. The smoke dissipated, slowly, and yet her vision remained hazy. She barely recognized who was above her, looking down with his mask drawn back.
'Jaune…'
Jaune let out a breath and sheathed his sword back. He cracked his neck as he looked down on Pyrrha. He was just above 80% of his Aura, not to mention his packed energy cells. It wasn't really a challenge on his end.
He chuckled within himself. But still, they weren't bad…
But he won't let his friends go on with just this much.
"Do you see it now, Pyrrha?" Jaune said. "You're not strong enough. You're not ready. I'm this strong, and even I lost. So stop playing hero, and- and see the present. Find a- a better reason than me."
Jaune turned around and left Pyrrha on the ground.
Pyrrha felt her vision fading, but she fought against it all and tried to stand up.
Jaune's steps were the only thing that rang in her ears. She forced herself to her feet. "Ngh…"
Jaune stopped in his tracks.
Pyrrha picked her weapons up and went into a stance.
"Not yet…" She let out a breath. "It-It's not over yet…!"
Jaune sighed. His shoulders drooped as Pyrrha kept firm. He closed his eyes and steeled himself for what he had to say.
"I'll be dealing with The Fang in a few days." He said firmly. Then, his voice started to waver. "But Pyrrha… you're just not strong enough. I won't let you be killed. I- I can't, I don't want to leave, but if you won't listen… then so be it."
Jaune turned around, eyes sad but firm. "I'll do things my own way, I won't drag you down… but if you think you can do better, think you can stop me… you're welcome to try."
Jaune flashed away.
Pyrrha's eyes widened. Block, he's behind her-!
"Until next time, Pyrrha."
Jaune chopped Pyrrha's neck.
Her world went dark.
Sorry this took so long.
I hoped this lived up to expectations. Sincerely. And if it didn't, please tell me how.
And to every single one of you, truly, thank you for reading.
See you next time.
Review Responses:
To zakuzilla, thanks!
To The Storm Master 567, as you can see, he is much stronger. In the end, he took them out with ease. Hope you enjoyed.
To TheNineNerdGhouls hope this lived up to your expectations. Thank you for reading.
To KnightSpark, a long time ago I watched this series that ended on the biggest cliffhanger I know. And then it was never continued, until today, outright abandoned then 'rebooted' 3 years later with only one character remaining, and even then it was barely the same. So yeah, I've got a bone to pick with cliffs, but see at least I finished this one :P. Hope you enjoyed.
To SuperSaiyajin4Vegeta, Opening fight for Tai isn't gonna be for Ray, it's… someone else.
To Phantommore, and it did.
To Gwynx, thank you.
To Kabuto S. Inferno, I'm sorry I haven't managed to reply to the PMs. Life happened, such is engineering college, and well, you know how it goes. I have read it, though, I'll respond as soon as I can. As for The Boss, I'm glad you enjoyed her character and Cinder's too in this story. And, of course no one's asking, I will absolutely not make Cinder turn on Boss. Just, I like motherly relationships in stories that actually work (please don't take this the MILF route). For Haven going to Beacon, yeah I'm still contemplating the ending. Either hopeful, bittersweet again, or a tragedy. All depends, I suppose, as time goes on. Also, Venom's slip-up is purely for the 'action' factor, I can't really say anything more than that. I hope this is good enough to continue.
To CriticaofRandomness, sorry, Tai's part's delayed for the next chap… or the next one, I'm still planning it out. He is going for Summer, tho.
To TheJSmooth, hope this didn't take too long, and that this is good.
To SolSparda369, hope this is good, and that, well, it's in character with the previous chapters in this fic.
To cortescen, here you go! Sorry for the delay.
To Segwayman, that was the original idea. Might make a chapter on that, since Jaune's on the Fang's trail now.
To carter162020, hope this resolved it!
To Greer123, and left again.
To PSYCONIG, she's pretty unhealthy, mentally. Of course, that can be seen.
To Mernom, yeah, I see your point. It has, however, been neutralised, and setting up Jaune to be JNPR's target to reach.
To HaloZealotDemon, humbling indeed. And if that's your reaction to Indigo, I might have to revise her a bit coming forward. I didn't intend for her to come across as a bitch, but well… we've still got time to go. Hope I didn't come across too merciful to RWBY, since Jaune's still got who-knows-how-many percentage of energy in his nanosuit and over 80% of his Aura.
To KenSanders, their discussion comes next chapter. For now, it's all about JNPR. Thanks for reading.
To Dhestrya, thank you!
To Renashi-RE012, next chapter. Thank you.
To Insane Wombat, shit was certainly fucked in the U.C. Thank you for reading.
To ThatYGuy, hope today's dosage of crying is enough.
To WaqueKoala 2.0, hope you enjoyed!
To Just a reader now a writer, all parts of Venom is for the next chapter. And well, Jaune's reunion is certainly something. Hope you enjoyed!
To Guest (1), There will be a version of Metal Gear. Coming, end-of-arc-ish? I think.
To Maniacalharp747, I'm still thinking of MGs, so I can't give a clear answer on how.
To Anon, hope this chapter is good.
To ThyDevoutBeliever, here you go. Hope you enjoyed.
To Big E, uhmmm…. ?. I'm sorry.
To Guest (2), this isn't really a reconciliation, more like… contact.
To Galeon82, yeah, Crocea's spilled more blood from Jaune's swings. Thank you for reading.
To Shovell, I hope you're still enjoying. Thank you.
To Guest (3), I know, changed it!
To Kerrisive, for your 3rd review, please contact me via PM. It's just, well, thank you for following me all this time. I hope this is good enough, and your comments about climax really made me try my hardest here. And well, WALTUHHHHH, though I didn't plan that BB reference out at the time since I haven't followed BB at that time. I do plan on Jaune v Indigo, but I don't know how that will fit. Hope you enjoyed.
To Guest (4), like I said, I didn't plan on BB. Regardless, thanks for reading,
To Skeletalrepublic, man, that just makes me sad. Poor man.
To naufalrakha0104, thanks!
To GAIC0, hope you liked this!