Knox: To the walls!

King: Welp, we're back for another chapter. And this time, we're going a few years into a future. Remember, "A" future. Not "The" future. We can't be certain what the future will be. Either way, hope you enjoy as always.

Inspiration: N/A

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This ought to be good…

The screen opened to a White Fang scout looking out toward something in the distance. As he lowered his binoculars, the camera fell away to reveal a veritable army of Faunas surrounding a walled city. Along the wall, banners of white and gold would flutter in the breeze, as though the promise of death had not taken to siege.

Everyone took that in various ways, but two in particular stood out. The first was the alternate dimension Salem who went off in an angry tirade that anyone would threaten her home and family. The other, however, was a bit scarier. Jaune, the smiling blond knight who always seemed so cheerful when it didn't have to do with himself, seemed to glow as his aura manifested. His aura told much to anyone looking back toward him. It was if his soul created a dragon, a beast of power and rage that anyone would dare to attack Arcadia. It was a scary reminder that a kind man only has only so much patience.

"It's absurd!" The camera snapped to a stone room as a fist slammed against a holo-table. The man who owned the fist in question was a tall man with grey hair and old, brown eyes. His clothing was very much the stereotypical knight in white and gold. This was Lord Varik Fairchild, the oldest living Paladin of Arcadia. "The White Fang attacking Arcadia of all places makes no sense! We fought in the war to free the Faunas from oppression! I was there! We trained their forces and helped win their freedom! Why attack us?!"

Gira thought back if he ever remembered a Varik Fairchild. After a moment, he recalled the name, but also that he never met the man in question. He knew the man by reputation and everything he helped contribute to the fight for Faunas freedom.

"Can we explain the ramblings of the mad?" Another Paladin spoke up. She was a blonde woman with bright, moss green eyes. She wore a full dress that reached down to the floor, a brilliant blue to contrast the grey stone of the room. This was Lady Irine Addel. "They've seem to act as though they have a divine right to rid Remnant of humanity and take over for themselves.

The camera moved slightly to show another woman next to her. She was a canine Faunas, likely a dog, with a set of ears as her trait. Her dirty blond hair was tied down into a bun just above her neck. This was Lady Cordelia Braun. "If we're being honest, this is likely a result of those two… what were their names again?" She tapped her chin in thought.

The camera turned to show the man opposite her, a tall man with a set of ram horns and a long goatee. He dressed in full robes resembling a wizard instead of the usual knights around him. This was Lord Merlin the Grey. "Corsac and Fennec Albain. A pair of brothers that seem to have gotten bored hiding in the shadows."

Gira and Kali became concerned hearing those names. They knew the two brothers were still in the White Fang, but on some level they believed the brothers were the old type of White Fang members, the kind whose goal is truly equality and not the subjugation of humanity.

Cordelia nodded, "Yes, them. They've proven to be very capable leaders."

"Preachers, more like." The next Paladin to speak was a short man with a very full braided beard. He was lucky to reach waist height of the rest of the members of the Court, but his proportions told of great strength. He wore what looked like smithing gear, particularly the apron, long sleeves, and gloves. This was Lord Marius Rein. "Caught their last transmission to the world. Came across like a pair of priests trying to stir up their followers."

"Regardless," a new voice joined the conversation. She was a woman of wealth, adorned in a red and gold dress. Everything about the woman was confidence and power. This was Lady Maria Lastrade, "those followers now surround our home. We have little need for debate, surely."

"I agree completely!" A Faunas man with a long lion's tail spoke up. The Lord Richard deLeon dressed in his military uniform nearly at all times and this was no exception. His uniform designated him as General of the Fourth Legion. "This shouldn't be up for debate! Our enemy is at our doorstep! We must make this official and declare war!"

Ironwood found himself agreeing wholeheartedly with the man on screen. If anyone attacked Atlas, he had no doubts that it would be war on an unheard of scale, if necessary.

"War on whom, Richard?" A human man interjected. He dressed fairly regally, but on a more subdued level than the others. His hair was cobalt blue with small sections that appeared solid white. Robert Bruce, General of the Huntsmen Corp, continued, "We can repel this force, but then what? If we open the gates of war, we can't stop until the enemy surrenders. Can you say a terrorist group, even one as large as this, can even do so?"

Richard grinded his teeth and fell back into his chair, thinking of a way to answer that.

"And what of the refugees?" The new voice belonged to a young woman dressed in what looked like a modified nun's outfit. The hood and dress were fairly normal, but the shoulders of the sleeves were torn off and she wore a pair of combat boots. Considering she was a former Chaplain of the Seventh Legion, this wasn't too surprising. "The people of the surrounding settlements gathered here to avoid fighting against the White Fang." This was Lady Hildegard von Wilfred.

Winter nodded once it was all on the table, "So that's why this is even being debated. They've likely remained neutral during the fighting and opened their gates to the displaced. It's likely the Fang doesn't attack because of that neutrality."

"All the more reason to deal with this now!" The camera tracked to show a man dressed in a dark blue military uniform. His blond hair was cut short, almost to match a buzzcut. A pair of wings on his shoulder and the stars set underneath them denoted him as Flight Commander Michael Arc. "I can scramble the Raptors and push them off within the hour."

"But then what?" Now, they saw a blond man in a white navy uniform. A series of accenting and stars on his sleeves and shoulders showed he was high ranking among the Arcadian Navy. This was Fleet Admiral Vincent Arc. "What would we do after that? That's what this meeting is about. Do we simply repel the attack, or do we take on this fight for the long haul and make it war? If it's war, how far are we to go with our forces? Do we hunt down these Albain brothers with our armies and would the White Fang even surrender if they were brought to justice? This isn't a conventional army like our last enemy."

The camera moved to the final member of the court. They'd seen him before in a King's World of Remnant and recognize him as Napoleon Arc. He was sitting close to the table with his elbows propped up onto the table and hands steepled in place in front of him. Napoleon's uniform was the same as they had seen, even down to the silver laurel crown resting around his head. He was the only member of the Court that wore his crown at all times, rather than just for ceremonies. His uniform denoted him as High Commander of the Arcadian Legions; a General among the Generals if you will. The only man that outranks him is the Grand Marshal, i.e. the High Prince. Until now, he'd remained silent as the others deliberated among themselves. He took in every argument to this point and considered what would be the best course to take. General Napoleon needed to ensure the actions they take were in the best interests of Arcadia, not themselves or some sense of honor.

Those among the leaders in the audience, they couldn't help but feel a great admiration for this man now. Power was a tempting force, especially for one who leads the leadership. It was something even Ozpin had to deal with at one point. There was a certain inspiring quality to one who can still retain the desire to use that power for the people instead.

Napoleon looked down toward the table, a map of the area covering the screen atop it. Small lines of soldiers and tents showed where the White Fang had been confirmed to be sighted. The City was surrounded on the continent, but no naval forces were spotted. It was likely they didn't have the resources to block the ocean. He was skeptical that they had the forces that their tents would suggest as well. It was a common subterfuge tactic: make your force seem larger than it is to intimidate the enemy. What's more, if they did decide to attack back, most of the camps would be empty and be no loss to the main force. His teeth ground together and his fingers tightened together in frustration. What's the answer here? What do I do?

His thoughts and the arguing around him were interrupted as the door to the back of the room opened. Charles Arc walked into the room with his walking stick and boots making the only noise that echoed amongst the stone. Once he was revealed, the Paladins all stood at attention. They may be the governing body, but the Arc royal family was revered by all, including many among the Court. As Charles approached, he struck his cane against the ground and looked toward all twelve as they stood around the table.

Charles cleared his throat before speaking, "Men and women of the Paladin's Court," any professionalism fell away almost immediately. "The hell is taking so long?"

This got Yang to chuckle. It was perfectly set up and a great delivery. But, the comedy was dampened by the fact that their city was at siege.

Hildegard leaned toward him slightly to address the eldest Arc, "My Lord Charles, we apologize for taking so long, but war is not something we can rush into!"

"You're too late for that."

This caused Hildegard to recoil slightly in confusion.

Charles motioned to the map, "The enemy is at our gates as we speak. The White Fang has already declared war against humanity and all the people who would oppose the Fang's mission."

Napoleon, for the first time since the meeting began, spoke. "My Lord Charlemagne…"

Charles turned toward the High Commander. Few people called him Charlemagne to his face. He didn't care for titles, few in his family ever did. All the same, he didn't bother to correct the man. He was family after all.

"That's so weird." Nora frowned slightly. "They're family, but he still uses a title to talk to him?"

Jaune sighed, "Uncle Napoleon was always the type that used titles in public whenever he addresses Grandpa Charles or my dad. I'd call him old fashioned, but it's only ever for specific stuff like that."

"... we are obligated to debate, as per our purpose as a governing body. We must deliberate before making rash decisions. That said, we can move things along…" It was a request in a way. He knew a way to force the vote and ensure a win for whatever side would.

Charles sighed. He hated throwing his weight around; but, given the danger beyond their walls, he didn't have a choice. He took a resolute breath before addressing them again. "This is an official call to the Court of Paladins! The White Fang threaten our homes and way of life! The people of Remnant require our support now more than ever! This is my plea to the Court!"

Everything was silent at first. After a moment, however, a small green light lit up on the edge of the table. Richard had cast his vote. Then Varik and Irine. Then Maria. One after the other, a green light would come to life in front of each Paladin. In the end, it was unanimous. Charles sighed again before looking to the twelve with a determined glare. "To war."

Ironwood was a little scare of the old man now. "His word alone turned them all to his side?"

Jaune groaned again. His Grandfather might not be the current High Prince, but his influence was strong. All the more reason he felt inferior to most of his family. Said groan earned him a reassuring pat on the back from Pyrrha, but the issue remained.

Napoleon leaned over the table, "Then let's get to it. We'll start by breaking the siege. After that, we'll send the Legions across Remnant. First things first, however… Where is our Marshal?"

Charles didn't skip a beat. "My son was on a trip to Vale before the siege began on my request. He was to meet with an old friend of mine. Now, however, he cannot return until the siege is broken."

Varik grinned as he sat back in his chair. "So, you're going to lead us again?! Like the old days?!"

Charles shook his head. "I've retired for a reason, Varik. Besides, I think I know someone who would do wonders as a temporary Marshal." As the others were confused, Charles turned back to the door, "Come on in! It's your time to shine!"

The door opened again to show Jaune as he walked inside. Instead of his usual hoodie look, he was dressed in a white and gold, decorated uniform with a medal on his chest showing the symbol of Beacon Academy.

Jaune just blinked, not sure how he should be feeling right now.

Coco whistled, impressed by the uniform and how well Jaune was wearing it.

Jaune groaned a bit and tugged on his collar, "Grandpa Charles… Are you sure about this?"

Varik slammed a hand against the table, "Yes Lord Charles! Are you sure you want to throw your own grandson into this?! This isn't some mindless hoard of Grimm! This is war! We need a leader that can handle that!"

While Jaune felt bad, it was hard to ignore that the old Paladin did have a point in a way.

Charles chuckled, "Watch and learn, old friend." He then placed a hand on his grandson's shoulder and spoke to him quietly. "Time to do what you do best."

Jaune glanced at his grandfather for a moment. He took a deep breath and turned his attention to the map. As he took everything in, he was silent. Silent long enough that Varik tried to say something, but was shot down by the glares of his contemporaries. After a few seconds, he looked back up toward the Paladins. "Can we say that the numbers are accurate?"

Napoleon blinked. He half expected Jaune to start with a battle plan rather than gathering more about the situation. "As far as we can tell. I, personally, believe that they're using subterfuge to hide their lack of numbers."

Jaune thought for a moment before he noticed something on the map. "They're hiding their numbers, but they're hiding that they have more. Look here," he pointed to a mountain with a lack of information at the edge of the map. "There's a cave system here. It's far enough from the battle lines that we overlook it, but also close enough to have troops on hand as needed. The camps are decoys to make us doubt the size of their forces."

Port had to nod, impressed by what he was seeing. "A good strategy and an excellent eye Mr. Arc! Truly a tactical mind at work."

Jaune scratched his cheek a bit nervously.

Richard looked toward the mountain in question, nodding, "The caves would be a good place to hide from the Hawks."

"Even if they aren't actually there, it would be better to assume they are and act accordingly." Vincent reasoned.

Robert looked over the map before turning back to Jaune. "Alright. So, what's the plan then? You're the Marshal, even if it's only temporary and rather sudden. Prince Charles vouches for you. Show us why."

Jaune took a breath before answering. "Okay. First off, we need to break through the siege." Jaune looked up toward the General of the Fourth Legion. "General deLeon, what's the status of your new mech-tanks?"

The military and weapon nuts were instantly invested.

Richard blinked for a moment. He hadn't been expecting that to be the first thing he brought up. "They're in the hanger."

"Move them to standby positions. They're going to punch through the campsites." Jaune moved his finger along the map and created a series of red lines to show his plan. "If they get past the firing line, we need Crusader and Vindicator armored units at the side to keep them away."

Ironwood found himself grinning at how sound his plan was so far. Tanks were powerful, but that power came at a price of minimal defenses should the enemy get too close. It's compounded even further when that enemy are experts in guerrilla tactics and improvised explosives.

Richard started to grin. This kid is smarter than he let on. "They can be ready in five minutes."

Jaune nodded and turned to the FleetAdmiral. "Uncle Vincent," with his uncle's attention, he drew on the map along the shore line, "we need eyes on the shores. If the Fang escapes, it'll be easier to track them if they're stuck on the continent."

Vincent nodded. He had a similar thought in mind, but hearing it from Jaune almost felt surreal. "Easy enough."

Jaune placed both hands on the table and cast his sight to Irine Addel, "Ms. Addel, what comes after we break the siege will require the Ninth Legion's spy network."

Irine smirked as she sat back in her chair, "So you know about that already? You've really done your homework. Alright. What are my spies after?"

"They'll be gathering any information they can to find the White Fang's headquarters. They might be terrorists, but they have a command structure leading from somewhere. Find it and this war shortens quickly."

Irine scoffed, "A simple enough task. Should I send an assassin for good measure?"

It was hard for many to remember that Arcadia's Ninth Legion was made up of spies, sabatores, and, more surprisingly, ASSASSINS!

Mercury, however, found the idea pretty interesting. Not specifically to work for a Kingdom, but a coalition of assassins working together as a team did give him ideas.

"No."

Mercury did not like the loss of work, so to speak.

Jaune continued, "If we bring down the Headquarters, it'll be with standard tactics. If the leader is assassinated, we're only asking for them to become more extreme."

"I see." Napoleon stared Jaune down. "If we take their fortress, it needs to be with force. This ensures a loss of morale in the enemy and more importantly, allows us to capture the Fang's leadership."

Sienna was more than a little concerned for the Fang. If this is the kind of enemy force they were ever to face, it might be better to avoid it. Then again, when she returned, the Fang was going to get a major facelift.

Jaune nodded and turned to his other uncle at the table, "Uncle Michael…"

Michael grinned and leaned over the table, "You need my Raptors for air support? Don't you worry! We're on top of this."

"We do, but not for the siege itself."

This made Michael pause a moment, waiting for an explanation.

"If there's one thing you learn early at Beacon it's that Creatures of Grimm are attracted to negativity. Negativity like a war. We'll need the Raptors to watch the skies and deal with any airborne Grimm that will be attracted to the fighting. We'll need the Huntsmen Corp to do the same on the ground."

Ozpin smirked as many in the audience were amazed at how well Jaune was handling this. He was calm, collected, and decisive. It was hard to imagine it was the same Jaune, but everything told them this wasn't some crazy alternate world. Rather, this was a possible future. This could be their Jaune.

Robert raised an eyebrow, "So, keep doing what we've been doing?"

"With three exeptions, yes." Jaune drew up the rest of the plans for after the siege, but in that moment, they had something to deal with. "Let's get started."

The camera rose upward and out a window to transition to the outside world. The scene showed a small group of three White Fang members sitting in a pit. One was standing slightly to look up over the top with a pair of binoculars. The other two were just sitting and playing cards.

Yang was tapping her heel against the ground in anticipation, "So we get to see the fight?"

One of the seated members yawned, "Anything?"

The standing Fang member shook his head. "I'm getting tired of answering that question. Look! They haven't moved. And you can tell they haven't moved because I haven't told you they moved. If something happens, you'll be the first to know. Now shut the fuck up and wait."

The other member leaned back on her arms, "We've been waiting for weeks!"

"It's been two days."

This got a few snickers in the audience.

"Not here! I mean in general. Why don't we make a move and actually bring down this human city? This is what we're here to do in the first place!"

The standing member looked at something in the distance. "We have movement!"

Both other members shot up and grabbed their own gear to look out over the field.

A burst of steam was shooting up from the ground. Then, it shot to either side, stopping for a moment before shooting up down the line again.

Ilia's eyes narrowed slightly, "What the heck is that?"

After a moment, the steam stopped. Then, the ground in front of the wall started to shake. Sections of the ground started to raise up from below, revealing massive metal elevators had been hidden underneath the dirt. One by one, the elevators would snap to position. Once they were all set, the doors started to open outward and slam against the ground. Within was a massive walker tank. In ways, it resembled a tortoise with a massive gun on the top of its armored shell. Smaller machine guns were mounted at various locations with small dust generators at the base, likely to create a hard light wall to defend the gunner.

Ironwood and Winter were in awe at the mecha before them. They were easily four times as large as the Atlassian Paladins. Tanks had little place in Atlas, but they also still used treads. If they converted the old systems into walkers, maybe they'd find more use.

The tanks began to lumber out from the elevators, turrets moving upward slowly. The line stopped for a moment with turrets ready. Down the line, they fired shells into the air and toward the surrounding camps.

The White Fang members scrambled out from the hole, "SCATTER!"

The shell slammed into the ground and encampments of the White Fang, real or not. The shells exploded on impact and proceeded to rend the ground apart, sending dirt into the sky like water from fountains. There was no calm, however, as another volley fired into the air. To call the force showed 'overwhelming' would be an understatement of the highest magnitude.

Ilia felt a chill run along her spine like a marathon. This is what we have to look forward to if we don't get our act together?! It was hard to ignore the Fang becoming more and more violent. It wouldn't be out of the realm of possibility that if someone more extreme ended up in charge, like Adam or the Albain Brothers (apparently), then the Fang would truly take things to the next level.

The Fang, however, have fallen further into zealotry. The Fang began to charge the tanks, intent on taking out the massive hulks in any way necessary. The sheer number of the Fang was almost unwieldy for the organization as it is for the viewers. This was a small army of madmen, willing to die if it took down the humans.

Sienna growled in disgust. She may be militaristic in her efforts, but those efforts were toward equality between humans and faunas. Not… this.

As they approached, men jumped from the tanks' troop platforms, revealing men and women in full armor suits. The suits in question were power armor sets in two variants. The first was the Crusader: a suit designed for taking damage and dealing it in turn. The armor was massive and outfitted with large weaponry like machine guns, launchers, and broadswords and shields too large to lift without the help of the armor. The other type of armor, the Vindicator, specializes in free range of movement. The armor was protective, but minimal. Weapons of the Vindicators were smaller: submachine guns, small assault rifles, and some wield shotguns. White Fang terrorists versus trained and armored military in open combat was hardly a fight. The Arcadians had better weapons and better armor. What the Fang did have, however, were numbers and zealotry. Soldiers could only do so much against people unafraid to die.

This outlook of the Fang pissed off every Faunas leader in the room. Equality was their hope and goal, not blind devotion to the Faunas and the condemnation of humanity.

That's where four special figures came in.

As Fang members charged one, he moved like the wind to avoid all of their attacks. Dressed in a green coat and white pants, his dark hair was accented by a long pink streak along and down his ponytail. Said ponytail was tied in place with a bright gold tie. It was hard not to see who was before them.

Ren blinked in surprise. He was a part of the defense of Arcadia. Which likely means…

A hammer slammed into a group as Nora flew into them. Her armor was still light and her style remained fairly similar. The primary difference, however, was a bright, electric blue tattoo: lines that seemed to intertwine and twist together like an unending knot. Her shirt was also modified and showed her right side to reveal that the tattoo was continuous as it reached from her thigh to her upper arm.

Nora was starry-eyed and shaking Ren, "Oh my gosh! That's so cool!"

Ren groaned as Nora's shaking causing a headache. He didn't speak up, however.

Pyrrha looked toward the screen, a little worried. The last time they'd seen the future, it showed that Jaune had married Velvet. So, it was understandable for her to be worried to have to see that.

That said, Pyrrha did appear on screen. Her usual bronze and red remained and had even been polished to a shine like never before. Her attire was also accented by replacing her red sash with a bright gold cloth. At the end of said sash hung a symbol of shining bronze. The symbol in question was a combination of her own shield/spear combo and the familiar Arcs set at the top.

Pyrrha's cheeks turned a slight pink at the implications.

Velvet huffed. On some level, she knew futures aren't finite. There is every likelihood that Pyrrha would find a future where she was the one that received Jaune's affection.

As the Fang tried to swarm them, the three began to move in formation. Then, the team was reunited again. Jaune burst through a line of Fang members with his shield, a modification creating a gravity effect to push them all away. To really mess with them, the effect reversed and pulled them all in toward his shield and bashed one of them without needing to move.

Ruby was freaking out about how she might be able to make that happen.

Jaune was a little concerned now that Ruby was in full weapon-freakout mode.

As the four gathered again, the remaining Fang couldn't number more than twenty.

Jaune glanced around for a moment before nodding. "Nora! Time to test out the new wings."

Nora blinked for a moment, "Wings?"

Nora bounced on her feet, excited. "Yes! Finally!" She spun around slightly, showing the camera that a small apparatus was connected to the back of her shirt. After a moment, her tattoos started to glow along with the device. Her tattoo was infused with lightning dust and the device allowed her to activate and control its output. Said output created a small shockwave as a pair of electric bolts shot out from her back. Gravity and Hard Light Dust soon made them take shape into a pair of wings.

Nora was drooling at the application on screen. 1) Lightning dust tattoo! 2) Wings of Lightning! 3) Oh my gods that's so cool!

Nora dug her foot into the ground before shooting forward. She swung her hammer downward, not bothering to hit a specific target. On impact with the ground, lightning ripped through the dirt and into the sky, sending them all flying.

Everyone turned to Nora, who was still in her own little world at how amazing that was to her.

Jaune held his shield up toward the flying enemies, "Pyrrha!"

Said Champion ran to his side and placed her hand on Jaune's shield. Combining Pyrrha's magnetism and Jaune's gravity Dust, they could create a gravity well around them. Everyone that had been sent flying was just as suddenly sent back toward the ground. Many smacked face first into the dirt, aura being the only things protecting them from serious pain.

Jaune was wide eyed, stunned at the application of such abilities. It was actually brilliant in a way. Pyrrha's semblance only worked against people with magnetic metals on hand. Even then, if there wasn't much of the metal, her control over the battle was minimal. However, using gravity to augment the ability allowed it to work against anyone. At least, in theory.

That said, someone had something to complain about. Nora shouted, "What about Ren? Doesn't he get an awesome moment?"

Ren sighed and shook his head. "Nora, not every battle requires all of us to do something as… flashy, let's say."

"What do you mean?"

Ren pointed back up to the screen.

The Ren on the screen was using his semblance to force one of the Fang members to suppress his emotions. Without his sense of anger and hate for humans, Ren was able to speak with the man without issue. His semblance had improved to the point of giving him a sense of control when speaking with someone affected by his power. He could tell minute differences as they tried to lie under his influence. As a result, asking yes or no questions allowed him to interrogate others for any information he needed. Once he was done, Ren dropped his semblance and the man soon after.

Ren was stoic as ever, but internally he was amazed. Could his power truly improve like that? He supposed it was possible, given this was a possible future.

Ren ran up toward Jaune, "The Fang is planning a second assault." He pointed toward the mountain in the distance, "The cave is full of Fang being funnelled in from the other side."

Jaune nodded, "Thanks Ren." Jaune looked toward the mountain. He needed to figure out how to prevent that and end this now. Then, a plan came to mind. "Nora, prep a grenade." Jaune took a few steps off and held his shield forward, "Shoot my shield."

Nora was snapped out of her daze to now freak out, "Wait! Is he going to launch himself with my grenade?!"

Jaune really hoped he wasn't.

Nora smirked and fired a shell toward the metal plate. Said explosive was caught in Jaune's gravity effect, hoving in front of his shield.

Everyone was watching with interest now.

Jaune spun around toward the mountain. "Okay, just need a moment." Jaune's aura flared to life, pouring toward the grenade. As the shell began to glow, Jaune angled his shield, and the grenade, upward slightly. Then was the big moment, "Ready! Fire!" The grenade suddenly flew forward like it was fired from a tank. The energy burst outward and actually sent Jaune flying backward, requiring all three of his teammates to catch him. Even if it meant all of them still ended up in a pile.

The camera flew up toward the grenade as it flew through the air. Aura was flying off as the ballistic explosive approached the ground. On impact, the aura enhanced the power of the explosion and created a small mushroom cloud from the explosion force. As a result, the entry of the cave was forced to collapse. The impact caused the entrance to crumble so thoroughly that the Fang couldn't bust their way out without killing themselves via cave in.

Nora gasped and started to shake Jaune this time, "We need to be able to do that!"

"Nora!" Jaune pleaded, "Please stop shaking me!"

The pile called JNPR started to untangle themselves and stand up, brushing off any leftover dirt.

Nora jumped up in excitement, "Again!"

Jaune groaned, "Not any time soon…" He was going to need a system to keep him in place before he ever did that again.

"Aw…" Nora defeated, causing Ren to pat her back reassuringly.

Pyrrha looked out toward the mountain, "That was an impressive shot."

Jaune shook his head, "Not like you need to be that accurate with an aura fused grenade."

Qrow laughed, "He's not wrong."

As things quieted down, one of the Vindicator soldiers ran up to the four. He saluted as he arrived, "Lord Prince!"

Jaune sighed and turned to the man. "What is it, soldier?"

"The Fang have been confirmed to be retreating! Should we pursue?"

Jaune was silent a moment, looking out over the White Fang soldiers on the ground. "No. Our job is done. Get everyone back to the City and prepare for the next steps."

The Vindicator saluted again, "Sir!" The soldier ran off to rejoin his unit.

As the man finally left, Jaune deflated and fell to a sitting position on the ground with an exasperated sigh. "How does my family do this all the time?!"

"There it is." Ozpin laughed. "It is often difficult for leaders at first. Knowing how much rests on your shoulders can weigh heavily on one's soul. It is impressive that he was able to hold up until his soldier was out of sight, though."

The siege was broken and war was on the horizon. As Pyrrha helped her leader/boyfriend off the ground, the camera moved upward to show a banner of Arcadia waving in the air. The scene closed out and this viewing came to an end.

Nora was bouncing up and down about Lightning Dust tattoos and the possibility of getting one in the future.

Pyrrha smiled, happy there was still a future where she and Jaune became a couple. While she would do what she could to avoid a war, that was the one thing she wanted to keep consistent.

Velvet, however, knew she could still change the outcome.

Time will tell where things go.