Sudoki

Abandoned

Ch. 1 // Ch. 2 // Ch. 3 // Ch. 4 // Ch. 5 // Ch. 6 // Ch. 7 // Ch. 8 // Ch. 9 // Ch. 10 // Ch. 11 // Ch. 12 // Ch. 13 // Ch. 14 // Ch. 15 // Ch. 16 // Ch. 17 // Ch. 18

Abandoned au side stories

Pre split - Loved Filled Night // He Wears WHAT // Childhood

Redeemed - A 𝓡𝓸𝓾𝓰𝓱 Explanation // Anything for Family

Deceived -

I’m bored

One Last Happy Ending // Two Cold Hearts Thaw

Abandoned (Deceived Route)

Ch. 1 // Ch. 2

Abandoned (Redeemed Route)

Rev stared at the cruel, undead cover of the Necronomicon. He contemplated whether he was actually gonna go through with this or not. That is until he heard a family and jarring voice.

Wendy: "Hey, what are you doing out here so late, zombie."

Rev: "Jeez, your voice is like nails on chalk."

He let out a sigh.

Rev: "I could ask you the same thing, wendigo."

Wendy: "Touche... so what the hell are you planning to do with that book? Gonna blow up the school?"

Rev: "... No. This is something more personal."

Wendy: "The hell does that mean?"

Rev: "... Nothing it doesn't involve you."

Wendy: "The hell it does. What's wrong with you, zombie? Usually you'd start fighting me."

Rev: "... I'm not in the mood."

Wendy's had enough of Rev's brooding and shoved him.

Wendy: "What the hell are you planning!"

Rev: "Why are you getting so mad? I swear no matter what I do you always have some sort of problem with me!"

Wendy: "I do have a problem! You're not telling me what's going on!"

Rev: "Why does it matter to you!?"

Wendy: "Because this place would be boring if it weren't for you!"

Rev's eyes widened.

Rev: "... What?"

Wendy: "Tch, do I gotta spell it out for you or what? If it weren't for you I'd be bored to death right now."

Rev: "Th-That still doesn't explain-"

Wendy: "Shut up, I'm not done. Sure you make me angry because you're still here. But if you disappeared then who would be left to entertain me?"

Rev: "You... you are such a dumbass, wendigo."

Wendy: "So are you! I know what you're planning with that book, and I'm not gonna let you go through with it!"

Rev: "You think you can stop me?"

Rev smiled maniacally.

Wendy: "Even if I can't you shouldn't do this!"

Rev: "Give me one good reason!"

Wendy: "There are people who care about you dammit!"

Rev: "I don't give a damn-"

Wendy: "I care about you!"

Rev: "What... you're not making any damn sense!"

Wendy: "I hate you Rev Vennett... but that still doesn't change the fact that you're my classmate."

Rev: "You think I care what you think?"

Wendy: "Idiot!"

She grabbed the collar of his shirt before pulling him into a kiss. Simply out of surprise Rev's grip on the Necronomicon loosened enough for Wendy to swipe it from him. Rev came back to his senses a few seconds after and pushed away.

Rev: "Wh-What the was that for, wendigo!?"

Wendy: "That was for being an idiot! And this is for making me wait for an opening."

Wendy pulled him back into yet another kiss. This time though Rev began to melt into the kiss. It was like he was forgetting everything. He forgot why he was out here. He forgot why he had the Necronomicon. The kiss lasted longer than before, but just as he realized he wanted to stay like this Wendy pulled away.

She spoke in a softer tone as she rested her forehead on his chest.

Wendy: "You're an idiot Rev..."

There was no bite to her words this time.

Rev: "I... I'm sorry..."

Wendy: "Do you finally realize it?"

Rev: "A little... yeah."

Wendy: "And you promise you're not gonna use this stupid book?"

He wrapped his arms around the wendigo.

Rev: "Yeah... I swear I won't."

Wendy: "Good... I can't... I won't let you leave us- them... I won't let you leave your friends."

Rev: "Friends, huh? Yeah... I guess they are my friends."

Wendy: "... I hate you Rev Vennett."

Rev: "... I hate you too Wendy."

Rev: "... Can I let go now?"

Wendy: "Don't ruin the mood, zombie!"

Rev: "Alright... jeez you are one clingy Wendigo."

She looked up at him, pouting.

Wendy: "And you're one stupid zombie making me like this."

Rev: "Not a zombie... want another kiss?"

She couldn’t help but blush.

Wendy: "S-Sure..."

Rev held her close as he leaned down. Their lips met yet again. As they did however Bella bursted in holding a potion.

Bella: "Wendy! There you are- Eep! S-Sorry am I interrupting... Wait no! Rev!"

Rev: "Geez, witch, can't you see we're having a moment.

Rev pulled away from the kiss.

Bella: "U-Um... Wendy kinda... drank a love potion."

Rev: "...She what? Is that why she's-"

Wendy: "Ignore her Rev."

Bella: "Rev I have the antidote you just... need to um..."

Rev: "I know just give me the antidote."

Rev held out his hand. The second Bella handed him the antidote he poured some in his mouth and kissed Wendy.

The second Wendy drank the antidote her eyes widened and she pushed away from Rev.

Wendy: "Blegh what the hell do you think you're doing zombie!"

Rev: "What does it look like I'm doing!"

Wendy: "Get off of me!"

Rev: "Jeez fine, it's your fault for drinking that damn potion in the first place."

Rev let go of the wendigo.

Wendy: "My fault?! That witch made it to force you to drink it and stop you from offing yourself!"

Rev: "Likely story you probably drank it yourself not knowing what it was!"

Wendy: "You will rue this day Rev Vennett!"

Rev: "Yeah right, I'll make sure you never forget about this!"

The wendigo blushed.

Wendy: "Dammit I can't believe my first kiss went to Rev of all people."

Rev: "Hah! As if anyone would be stupid enough to kiss you anyways."

Wendy: "I'm gonna kill you for this!"

Rev: "Hah! You can certainly try. Besides if you do you won't get to kiss me anymore!"

Wendy: "Shut up! You're an awful kisser anyways!"

Rev: "What!? You take that back you damn wendigo!"

Wendy: "Make me zombie boy!"

Meanwhile as the two bickered Bella smiled as she held an empty bottle behind herself with the label "Honesty potion."

/ / /

After the fight Bella had left the two alone. They were on the floor panting.

Rev: "Hey wendigo..."

Wendy: "Yeah, zombie?"

Rev: "... I don't actually think your voice is like nails on chalk."

Wendy: "... If you think that's gonna make me hate you less you're wrong... but thanks."

Rev: "... Why were we even fighting again?"

Wendy: "Because you kissed me, zombie."

Rev: "Oh right... What a dumb reason to fight."

Wendy: "Hah yeah..."

Rev: "So like... why'd you even take that potion?"

Wendy: "Huh? Oh... because you were being an idiot."

Rev: "And you thought a love potion would help?"

Wendy: "... It seemed like a good idea at the time."

Rev: "Well it certainly worked at least..."

Wendy: "So... you're not gonna tell anyone, right?"

Rev: "Hah, tell everyone I kissed you? Please..."

Wendy: "Shut up..."

Wendy playfully punched his shoulder.

Rev: "So... did you like it?"

Wendy: "I'll actually kill you if you ask me that again... but yeah."

Rev: "Hehe... good."

Rev planted a kiss on her forehead.

Wendy: "Idiot..."

Rev: "Would you rather I actually kissed you?"

Wendy: "... yes please."

Rev blushed but obliged and kissed the wendigo.

Wendy: "... You're not actually a bad kisser, zombie."

Rev: "You're not half bad either wendigo."

Some things came up over the summer and I got extremely depressed and unmotivated

I’m back now but I’m focusing on something on my Ao3

The abandoned au is gonna be on a hiatus indefinitely I promise I’ll try to come back to it though please forgive me

If you want to know what happened to me I’ll try to keep it short

Abandoned au (Deceived Route)

Previous

A/N: Choosing to not include the village and train scenes as they would be too similar to the show and I find them boring. Also sorry for the short chapter, wasn't sure what else to write, but I really wanted to include the meeting with Saphron.

/ / /

Ren and Nora had finally reunited with Ruby and the others in Argus.

Weiss: So, any luck getting a Bullhead to Atlas?

Weiss leaned against a wall as Nora shook her head.

Nora: No... apparently Atlas has closed their borders.

Yang: Dammit... if only Jaune were here. He'd figure something out.

Yang grumbled as she found their helplessness irritating.

Ruby: We can't rely on him right now. Let's just... find somewhere to stay.

Ruby took out a photo of when she was traveling with Jaune.

Qrow: Hey... doesn't that girl kinda look like...

Qrow's voice trailed on as the others looked a blonde girl with blue eyes.

Blake: You don't think she's- Ruby?

Blake watched Ruby immediately go up to the woman.

Ruby: Um... excuse me, would you know someone named Jaune Arc?

The girl stopped in her tracks as she heard Ruby's question.

???: Arc? Yes, I do actually... he was my brother.

Ruby: What do you mean was?

???: Come... I'd rather not talk about this in public. Besides... I have some questions.

Ruby looked back at the others and shrugged before they followed the woman.

/ / /

The group arrived at a house and sat down around the table.

Saphron: My name is Saphron... Saphron Cotta-Arc.

Weiss: Nice to meet you-

Saphron: There are more important matters... how do you know my brother?

Ruby: What do you mean?

Ruby leaned back in her seat.

Saphron: My brother died 6 years ago... at least that's what the authorities say.

Weiss' eyes widened as she heard this.

Weiss: Wh-What? But... we were... how?

Saphron: Suicide... when he was twelve he... I guess father's words got to him. He locked himself in his room... all there was left was a noose.

Yang: What? Why would he...

Yang covered her mouth. No one had ever known about Jaune's past, so everyone had been shocked.

Saphron: He failed to save his friend. The authorities say he likely hung himself and a Grimm took his body through the window... I don't believe that for a second though.

Blake: Why not?

Saphron: He was a kind kid... gentle too. He didn't have it in him to just... abandon us. Tell me... is he still alive?

Weiss looked at the stained table.

Weiss: He... He is just... He isn't the same Jaune you knew.

Saphron: So he did run away... what happened to him?

Ruby felt guilty but knew better than to drag Saphron into this.

Ruby: He... He said he has a bigger role to play now.

Saphron: I see... so he ran away from you too, huh?

A long silence filled the room before a young dark skinned woman came down the stairs.

???: Saphron? Who are these?

Saphron: Ah, Terra... these are Jaune's friends.

Terra: Your brother's friends? So he isn't dead?

Saphron: Yeah... shocking. Anyways, everyone this is my wife, Terra. We got married a year or so after Jaune's disappearance.

Ruby: Nice to meet you, Terra... I'm sorry Jaune couldn't be here.

Terra: It's fine… not like I really knew the kid so I'm not missing out on much...

Ren: Hey... do you know any way into Atlas?

Terra: No, I don't. Their borders are closed at the moment. You can stay as long as you'd like. Just don't make a mess. We have plenty of room to spare.

Saphron let out a weak chuckle.

Saphron: Yeah... I just... hoped Jaune would show up one day. I just hope he's happy right now.

Oscar: He's doing fine... I'm sure of it.

Oscar stood up before heading upstairs.

Ruby: ... I'm gonna go take a walk.

Ruby stood up and walked out the door, letting everyone do their own thing.

/ / /

As Ruby walked around Argus she eventually came across a statue of her former partner, Pyrrha Nikos. Under it read, "Here lies the Invincible Girl."

Ruby: Invincible, huh? Yeah right... What would you do, Pyrrha?

Ruby began to reminisce of her days Beacon. Back before the Fall... until she remembered what Jaune told her before she saw Pyrrha die. She clenched her first in anger.

Ruby: Damn it... How didn't I see it. He wasn't worried at all... he knew and he didn't care. There was no panic in his voice.

An older red headed woman walked up, carrying a bouqet of flowers.

???: You shouldn't be mad about the past, you know?

Ruby snapped out of her anger at the woman's words.

Ruby: Huh? Who are... did you know her?

???: Haha, who doesn't? She won every tournament here in Argus.

Ruby: Right... I just... we worked together so... I guess I just feel a lot closer to her.

???: Still... You can't be so hung up about the past. We all have grudges... but we mustn't let anger consume us.

Ruby: ... You sound just like her. Alright... I'll try she would want me to.

When Ruby looked back the woman was gone. She smiled before walking back to Saphron's house.

/ / /

Weiss was in her room, awake and trying to accept everything that has happened when she heard a know on the door.

Weiss: It's open!

Ruby entered the room.

Ruby: Sorry for intruding.

Weiss: It's fine... I wasn't falling asleep anytime soon anyways.

Ruby walked over and sat on the foot of the bed.

Ruby: Weiss... you have connections in Atlas, don't you?

Weiss: Not since running away I don't.

Ruby: I see... your name is still important though. Perhaps you could convince someone to take us to Atlas.

Weiss: Nora said that Cordovin lady at the military base was really stingy. I doubt she'd-

Ruby: So what? You're Weiss Schnee. There's no way she'd reject a request from a Schnee.

Weiss: You really don't know when to give up, huh? Alright I suppose it doesn't hurt to try.

Ruby: Good, now get some rest.

Warning, smut ahead you know the drill. Incest and voyeurism blah blah blah. Let’s get this smut!

(Redeemed Route)

Previous

Our heroes have managed to meet up with their old friend, Blake, while waiting for a train.

Yang: Blake! Where have you been

Yang hugs her partner.

Blake: Yang! Too... tight!

Yang quickly lets go as she notices Blake's struggle.

Yang: Haha, sorry about that...

Blake: Jeez... anyways I've been in Menagerie with some family. After I heard about Adam's plans and... how he killed Sienna... I'm trying to track him down.

Jaune: Well, good to have you back, Blake.

Jaune, who had been sitting on a nearby bench, stood up and patted her shoulder.

Blake: Hah... I can tell you haven't been skimping out on training, Jaune.

Jaune: Course I haven't... we have some... big issues to deal with.

Yang: Oh, right um... so we have a problem other than Adam.

Yang crossed her arm as she sighed.

Blake: Bigger problems?

Ruby: Something is threatening all of Remnant.

Ruby walked up, carrying a few drinks in a plastic bag before giving Jaune a can of lemon tea.

Jaune: Salem... the queen of Grimm, is collecting these things called Relics to destroy Remnant as we know it.

Blake: Wh-What? And... you're trying to stop her?

Jaune: Well... she IS my mother.

Blake fell onto a bench, trying to process all of this.

Blake: I'm sorry... did you just say your MOTHER... is the queen of Grimm?

Ren: We were shocked too.

Ren grabbed a water from the bag Ruby was carrying.

Blake: ... So do you have any Grimm powers?

Jaune: ... She's not my biological mother, Blake.

Blake: I see... Where's Weiss?

Yang: She's still recovering... psychologically that is.

Yang grabbed a green tea out of the bag.

Blake: Recovering from what?

Jaune crossed his arms and leaned on a wall.

Jaune: She's okay physically, but she had a near death experience. Give her some time.

Qrow waved at the group as Oscar followed next to him.

Qrow: Hey, kids, the train's here.

Jaune: I'll go get Weiss.

Jaune left to meet with Weiss as everyone got on the train.

/ / /

Weiss had been silently standing near a vending machine when Jaune came into view.

Jaune: Weiss, you good? Think you'll be able to walk?

Weiss: ... I can walk just fine without your help... but thank you for making sure.

Jaune: I don't blame you for being mad at me... I deserve it. The train just arrived so let's go meet up with the others.

Weiss: ... Okay.

Weiss' mind had been flooded with emotions, none of which she dared to show. Anger, jealousy, stress... she had gone through quite a lot in the past few days. Despite Jaune's attempts at comforting her she couldn't help but be mad at his relation with Ruby... even if he says it didn''t mean anything. She blushed as Jaune wrapped his arm around her waist.

Weiss: Wh-What are you doing!?

Jaune: The train's about to leave. We have to hurry.

Weiss: F-Fine...

Jaune wasn't dumb. He could tell there was something bothering Weiss.

/ / /

On the train Jaune immediately took Weiss into a private room before setting her down on the bed.

Jaune: You wanna talk about it?

Weiss: ... I didn't mind last night... you know?

Jaune: R-Really? So what's actually-

Weiss: You just... it seems like you care more about Ruby than me.

Jaune: That's... I guess it does seem that way, huh?

Weiss: It really does... I just... feel a little left out is all.

Jaune: Yeah... I had a feeling you'd say that.

Weiss: ... And I'm worried... worried that you mightt leave me for... for Ruby.

Jaune sat on the foot of the bed, unable to look at Weiss out of shame.

Jaune: Then I... I'm sorry. I don't... know how to reassure you.

Weiss: Jaune... I really don't want us to end. We... I love our time together... I cherish it.

Jaune: With everything going on... can... will we even find the time, Weiss?

She looked away to think before turning back and getting closer. She cupped his cheek.

Weiss: I'm not certain... but I want us to be happy whenever we can... please.

He smiled as he gently held her wrist.

Jaune: Alright... I'll love till my dying days... Arc's promise.

He placed his forehead on hers as they closed their eyes.

/ / /

Weiss had fallen and Jaune decided to meet with Ruby who had the lamp. He knocked on the door before entering.

Ruby: Jaune, I'm glad you came. I... want to talk.

He sat down on the floor next to her.

Jaune: Alright, what's up?

Ruby: It's about Salem... how much do you know?

Jaune: Well... what do you want to know?

Ruby: Who was she? What happened to... make her the way she is?

Jaune: Look... she never told me about her past. My guess is she and Oz had... some sort of connection.

Ruby: Do you think he'd be willing to share?

Jaune: I highly doubt it.

Ruby: I see... well, it seems like the train is gonna be a smooth ride.

Jaune: Still... I should probably keep a lookout.

Ruby: You just want an excuse to stay awake, don't you?

Jaune: Haha, yeah...

An awkward silence filled the room before Ruby broke it.

Ruby: Jaune... you're not gonna... help Cinder, right?

Jaune: Never again. I've chosen what side I want to help.

Ruby: Good... I... I don't want us to fight.

Jaune: Me neither... don't even worry.

Ruby: Jaune...

Jaune: Yeah?

Ruby: ... Is Weiss doing better?

Jaune: Her health is fine. There shouldn't even be a scar.

Ruby: Good... hey... do you think we can really beat Salem?

Jaune: Ruby... Salem is immortal.

Ruby: W-Wait What!?

Jaune: Yeah... Any chance we have... it'll involve the Relics.

Ruby: I-I see... so we do need the maidens.

Jaune: That depends if what Oz is saying is the truth.

Ruby: Still sceptical, huh?

Jaune: Sorry, old habits die hard.

Ruby: Haha, it's fine. So, Argus huh?

Jaune: What about it?

Ruby: Just... kinda funny how we started at Vale and now... we're so far from home.

Jaune: Huh, I guess that is funny...

Ruby: Think anyone you know is there?

Jaune: I hope not.

Ruby: Why... oh, right. You never got in touch with your family, huh?

Jaune: Yeah... never did.

Ruby: What exactly happened to make Salem raise you?

Jaune: I... I ran away and got caught in a blizzard. Salem found me and... took pity on me.

Ruby: I see... why'd you run away though?

Jaune: ... I was too much of a coward to go through with... my father's wishes.

Ruby: Oh... s-sorry I asked.

Jaune: It's fine... you're the only one that knows.

Ruby: Really? Not even Salem or Cinder knows?

Jaune: They don't know the full story.

Ruby scooted over to make room on the bed and patted the free space.

Ruby: The floor's uncomfortable, you know. I don't mind sharing.

Jaune: Thanks...

Jaune got up before sitting on the bed beside Ruby.

Ruby: Jaune... why do you think Tyrian wanted to capture me back at the forest?

Jaune: Your silver eyes. Salem... told me that... people with silver eyes have the ability to... kill Grimm instantly.

Ruby: Really? How... how so?

Jaune: Even she didn't know. Something about relationships and the preservation of those around them.

Ruby: Like... wanting to protect friends?

Jaune: Yeah... well more like the will power to do so.

Ruby: Ah, so it's more like a last resort?

Jaune: I would assume so... that's probably something else we'll need to defeat Salem.

Ruby: That would make sense...

Ruby's voice trailed on as she yawned and stretched.

Jaune: Getting tired?

Ruby: Little bit...

Jaune: You can get some sleep, you know? It won't be a few more miles until Argus.

Ruby: Okay...

She rubbed her eye before laying on Jaune's chest and slowly closing her eyes.

Jaune: N-Not on me damn it... Fine.

Tiredness overtook the too as they slowly fell asleep in each other's embrace.

/ / /

Once the train came to a stop the group stretched as they got off.

Yang: Finally, that took forever.

Yang spread her arms as she let the cool air hit her.

Weiss: Yeah... now we just need a place to stay the night.

Weiss scanned what they could see from the train station.

Jaune: Any place is fine by-

Jaune cut himself off as he spotted a familiar face. The person too spotted him. The world seemed to stop as the two looked at each other.

Jaune: ... Just my luck.

Jaune was prepared to put on an act in case the girl tried anything.

The girl walked up and tilted her head.

???: Hey... you wouldn't happen to be Jaune Arc, right?

Jaune: I have no idea who that is.

Ruby looked at Jaune with a confused expression.

Ruby: But.. you are J-

He quickly covered her mouth.

Jaune: WE don't know a Jaune Arc.

???: Hm... alright.

As soon as the girl was out of hearing range Jaune took his hand away from a blushing Ruby's mouth.

Ruby: Why'd you lie to her? It seemed like she knew you... kind of looks like she's family too... oh.

Jaune: Yeah, no duh. That WAS a sister of mine.

Blake: THAT was your sister!?

Jaune: One of them, yeah.

Ren: Then maybe she could let us stay-

Jaune: No way! I have been missing for... 6 years. You know awkward that's gonna be?

Weiss: What other choice do we have?

Jaune: ... I hate when I'm wrong. Fine, we'll... try to go to her place. I'll go ahead first... I'll come back when I've received confirmation.

Jaune followed the blonde while blending into the crowd. After a few minutes he arrived at an assuming house and took a deep breath before knocking on the door. He heard some furniture being knocked around before the door opened.

???: Oh, it's you again.

Jaune: Um... hi, look... I lied back there. I... I am Jaune Arc.

???: Yeah, I figured as much.

The girl had a smug look on her face which irritated Jaune. Though the smug look was familiar and oddly nostalgic.

Jaune: ... So... did you miss me, Saphron?

The girl, Saphron, pulled Jaune into a hug as she closed her eyes.

Saphron: Of course... we all did.

Jaune: ... That's good to hear.

Jaune returned the hug before spotting a dark skinned woman with dark hair. Saphron had a sad smile on her face as she pulled away from the hug.

Jaune: Saph... what happened while I was gone?

Saphron: First of all, screw you for disappearing like that.

Saphron punched his shoulder.

Jaune: Yeah okay... I deserve that.

Saphron: Secondly, I got married.

Jaune: ... Well now I just feel like an asshole for not being there.

The dark skinned woman walked up and stood beside Saphron.

Saphron: Jaune... this is my wife, Terra. Terra, this is my presumably DEAD brother, Jaune.

Terra held out her hand to which Jaune shook.

Terra: Nice to finally meet you... you're a lot different than what Saph has told me about you.

Jaune: Haha... yeah, I guess I have grown over the years.

Terra: Much less scrawny and more... muscular.

Saphron: Alright that's enough of that.

Saphron nudged her wife out of view.

Jaune: Haha, Terra's very friendly. I see why you like her.

Saphron: Yes... friendly.

Jaune: So... I was wondering if my friends and I could... perhaps stay the night?

Saphron sighed and crossed her arms as she pondered.

Saphron: Of course you'd ask for a place to stay. Fine... I suppose we could... but you're telling what happened to you.

Jaune: Yeah, that's fair. Alright, I'll be back.

/ / /

A few minutes go by and Jaune is now sitting in the living room with Ruby, Saphron, Nora, Yang, Blake, Weiss, and Ren all looking at him.

Jaune: Right... where should I start?

Saphron cross her arms as she glared at her brother.

Saphron: Maybe you should tell me WHY you ran away?

Jaune rubbed the back of his neck, slightly uncomfortable with the stares.

Jaune: Yeah, that's probably for the best. Well... It was better than killing myself.

Everyone gasped at the sudden revelation. 

Saphron: The fuck you mean kill yourself?!

Jaune: Saph... you really expected me to even stay after THAT happened?

Saphron: Well... no, but I didn't think you were considering suicide!

Jaune: I considered a lot of things. These scars weren't all from my training.

Jaune lifted his sleeves to reveal multiple scars covering his arms.

Saphron: Shit... now I just feel like a bad sister.

Jaune: Don't be... it was dad's fault I felt like this. Speaking of which is he still kicking?

Saphron: Luckily no... he died of a heart attack a few days after you disappeared.

Jaune: Good, would've done it myself otherwise.

Ruby: JAUNE!

Jaune: BABY STEPS!

Saphron: Uh... what?

Jaune sighed as he leaned back.

Jaune: I uh... I've been through some stuff, Saph.

Saphron: I can... see that. So, you were kindapped after running away?

Jaune: Indoctrinated, but yeah. Look, all you need to know is that I went through some messed up training and teachings.

Saphron: But are you okay NOW? That's what I need to know.

Jaune: ... I'm doing better at least.

Saphron: ... Mom called, you know. After seeing you on TV at the Vytal Tournament. We all... gave up hope after the fall.

Jaune: I... didn't realize you all were still searching for me.

Saphron: We never gave up... is that why you never came back?

Jaune: I thought... you guys wouldn't want me back.

Saphron: ... I think you all should go to bed. Guest rooms are on the left... Jaune, your room is next to mine and Terra's.

Saphron stood up and headed up the stairs.

Jaune: Alright... goodnight, Saph.

/ / /

Again, smut warning! I’m talking pure smut and degeneracy! Like the type of shit Blake would read! Read at your own discretion. I like to be quite detailed!

Abandoned (Redeemed Route)

Jaune turned onto his side as the sun bled through the curtains, hitting his face. He opened his eyes to see his girlfriend, Weiss. His head began to hurt as his mind raced with the different options he'll have to face. He slowly dragged himself out of bed as he held his head.

Jaune: Ugh, this headache. What should I do...

His voice trailed on while he walked into the bathroom to brush his teeth. As Jaune was in the bathroom Weiss finally woke up and began to get dress.

Weiss: Jaune! Are you in the bathroom?

Jaune: Y-Yeah, I'm almost done!

Weiss: Alright don't come out yet. I'm still getting dressed.

Weiss slipped out of her nightwear and into her dress. The group had planned to meet with Haven's headmaster in hopes of enrolling. Jaune though... he had other plans. He looked at himself in the mirror, noticing the bags under his eyes he began talking to his reflection.

Jaune: This is it, huh? I knew they'd catch up to me soon... Cinder, I've come to a decision... I'm sorry.

As Weiss strapped Myrtenaster to her waist Jaune stepped out of the bathroom allowing Weiss to enter. He walked over to Gan Jiang and Mo Ye sitting on the table. He stared at the rope connecting the two for a bit.

Jaune: ... Would a chain be better?

He shrugged before he tied his weapon across his torso.

Jaune: Weiss, I'm gonna go ahead and see if the others are ready. I'll wait for you out front, okay?

Weiss: Y-Yeah that's fine.

Jaune made his way through the halls, examining the burn scars on his hands as he did. In the living room he only found Ren, Nora, Ruby, Qrow, and Oscar to be ready.

Jaune: So we're just waiting for Yang and Weiss?

Nora nodded after looking around.

Nora: Yup! Seems like it.

With a sigh Jaune sat down beside Ruby. The girl blushed, clearly still not over her feelings for Jaune. She began moving a hand closer to the boy before Weiss turned the corner and moved to sit on her boyfriend's lap, glaring at Ruby. Ruby looked away, a look of shame on her face.

Ruby: S-Sorry.

The tension quickly dissipated as Yang turned the corner appearing to be in a rush.

Yang: S-Sorry I took so long!

Ren uncrossed his arms as he sat up.

Ren: It's fine... as long as we're all ready to go.

Yang nervously rubbed the back of her head as the others stood up.

Jaune: It looks like we're all ready. Oscar, did you manage to get some training with that cane.

Oscar: Y-Yeah... I still could use some work, but I should be good.

Jaune: That's good... You might need it soon.

Everyone questioned Jaune's vague statement. However, their trust in him was far greater.

/ / /

As the group walked they took note of the eery silence. Jaune however steeled his resolve.

Jaune: 'I'm sorry Salem... I can't keep fighting for you. Not when lives are at stake.'

As soon the group walked through the doors of Haven they were met with Leonardo on a balcony.

Oscar: Leo... what is this?

Jaune slowly took out Gan Jiang and Mo Ye.

Jaune: Stand back everyone... Cinder, come out already.

Jaune was prepared to prove where his loyalty lies. As the Fall Maiden steps out from behind Haven's Headmaster so too do her lackeys Mercury, Emerald, and Hazel along with Raven and Vernal. Cinder's group steps down from the balcony to face our heroes.

Yang: Jaune... how did you...

Yang's voice trailed on as Jaune immediately charges Cinder. He swings Mo Ye before it's stopped by Cinder's blade.

Cinder: And here I thought you were smarter, boy.

Jaune: I'm sorry... I can't keep up this facade.

He jumped back as Cinder swung at him. Weiss prepared a glyph to help Jaune before Emerald pulled her away with a chain.

Emerald: Oh no you don't.

It was clear that the others would try to prevent anyone from helping Jaune. Qrow gripped the handle of Harbringer before charging Raven, Yang fought Mercury, Ren and Nora fought Hazel, and Oscar went after Leo.

Jaune: I'm done helping Salem. I found a new purpose.

Cinder parried blow after blow.

Cinder: You little... I knew you were too gullible. Ozpin's using you!

Jaune: I will keep my friends safe!

As Cinder parried another blow she knock Jaune to the ground.

Cinder: Your friends? Please, don't make me laugh. They don't care about you like we do!

Jaune's grip on Mo Ye tightened as he gritted his teeth.

Jaune: You're wrong... they do care...

Cinder: Fine...

Cinder formed a spear with her Fall Maiden powers and aimed at Weiss.

Cinder: Then I'll just take care of the problem myself.

/ / /

Weiss narrowly dodged Emerald's shots.

Weiss: What is your problem? Why do you all keep showing up?!

Emerald: Isn't it obvious? Why don't you ask your little boyfriend?

Weiss narrowed her eyes at the girl.

Weiss: ... What?

Emerald: Don't tell me you didn't notice. He's been working for us... until now that is. It seems you or at least one of you have convinced him onto your side.

Weiss: That... you're lying... Jaune wouldn't...

Weiss was at a loss for words before here eyes widened as she felt a sharp and searing pain go through her abdomen.

/ / /

Ruby's mind was racing with emotions but most importantly she just witness something distressing. This caused her silver eyes to instinctively activate making Cinder recoil and kneel in pain.

Jaune saw his opportunity and seized it. He held Mo Ye firmly as he charged Cinder. Unfortunately she dodged and he only chipped the scarred side of her face. She grit her teeth as she grabbed Jaune's shirt and threw him across the room.

Cinder: Raven, Vernal! Quickly to the vault.

With a nod Raven knocked Qrow to the ground and followed Cinder as did Vernal. Yang quickly pursued the trio. Jaune however got on his feet and made his way to Weiss, who was lying on her back.

Jaune: WEISS!

Jaune quickly applied pressure to the wound.

Jaune: Weiss! Please! Stay with me!

Weiss: 'Pain... it hurts... it hurts so bad.'

Weiss' mind raced with thoughts. She could hear Jaune but her thoughts overlapped with his voice.

A warm glow engulfed the boys hands and soon wrapped around the wound. Ruby quickly rushed over and kneeled next to Weiss.

Ruby: What's happening?

Jaune: I-I don't know I...

Jaune's voice trailed on as Ruby place her hands over his and lifted them. She saw the wound slowly close as Jaune was doing whatever it was he was doing. She looked him in the eyes.

Ruby: Don't stop...

He nodded as he continued to look after Weiss before Ruby went back into the fray. It wasn't long until the group heard helicopters, the White Fang had arrived.

Jaune became engrossed in keeping Weiss alive; he paid little attention to the fighting around the two.

Jaune: 'Live please live! I'm not losing anyone else.'

He had become so engrossed that before he knew it Yang had returned from her pursue, holding a blue and golden lamp.

Emerald's eyes widened, Yang's solo return meant one thing, Cinder lost. She screamed as her semblance went haywire. A pale woman in a black dress appeared as a result of Emerald's semblance. Luckily Mercury got her under control before leaving with Hazel.

Mercury: This isn't the last you've seen of us!

Ruby noticed Yang's slight limp and quickly ran to her side so she wouldn't fall. As Jaune managed to fully heal Weiss he finally noticed the glares he was receiving.

Jaune: ... I guess I have to... start... talking...

His voice trailed on as he fell onto his back; he had used too much aura.

/ / /

Jaune's eyes slowly opened, he was on a couch as everyone was gathered around him.

Jaune: H-Hey guys...

Ruby: Start talking.

The boy sighed as he sat up.

Jaune: Right... where do I start? I guess I should say that... I'm on your side.

Weiss: Liar! I heard what Emerald said. You've been working for them!

Jaune: Hold on... yes, I USED to work for Cinder... more specifically Salem.

Oscar: Salem... Ozpin seems to be panicking. That was the woman Emerald made us see, right?

Jaune: Yeah... that pale woman... was Salem. She's... in a way, my mother.

Ozpin quickly took control of Oscar's body.

Ozpin: She's your mother!? When did she... who did she...

Jaune: Calm down, Oz. She's not my real mother. She just raised. Ain't no one crazy enough to stick it in her.

Ozpin: Wait... she raised you? Then why'd you even come to Beacon?

Jaune: She promised to let me become a hunter. I guess some sort of motherly instinct was awakened when she took me in. Cinder was the one who trained me though.

Ren: Hold on, go back. WHO is Salem?

Jaune: Right... Salem is the queen of the Grimm. Simple as that. Although, she doesn't have full control of the Grimm here in Anima. More importantly... Oz, what's that?

Jaune pointed at the lamp on Yang's hip.

Ozpin: So, she didn't tell you? That is one of the four relics. If Salem is trying to gather all four she's trying to use them to destroy the world.

Jaune: Hold on, what are these relics?

Ozpin: That one is the relic of knowledge. There's also the Relic of Creation in Atlas, the Relic of Destruction in Vacuo, and the Relic of Choice.

Jaune: And you need a maiden to get each one, right?

Ozpin: How'd you...

Jaune: It was an educated guess. Cinder wouldn't ask strangers for help unless she absolutely needed to.

Yang: Anyways, how do we know you're on our side?

Jaune: ... Why would I have charged Cinder otherwise?

Qrow: The kid brings up a good point.

Jaune: If that's not enough to convince you then... how could I convince you?

Weiss: ... I'm sorry... I don't think you can... at least not after knowing you knew about Beacon.

Weiss slowly got up before turning away.

Jaune: Weiss... wait. I... I swear I didn't know about Cinder's plan. I didn't... I didn't know she was going to do all of that.

Weiss: How can we even... trust you?

Jaune: ... I know that you don't. I can't... fully convince you... but I swear I would've stopped her if I knew.

Weiss: IF YOU KNEW!? Then why... why even come back after all that!?

Everyone jumped back at Weiss' sudden outburst.

Jaune: ... Because I love you too much. I wanted... to help all of you... all of Remnant. I couldn't just let Salem have her way.

Weiss: And how do we know you aren't just tricking us!?

Jaune: Just trust me! Please, Weiss!

Weiss: I... I can't... I'm sorry.

Jaune: Then... at least let me help you... all of you.

Silence filled the room before Jaune spoke.

Jaune: Keep tabs on me if you wish... I won't resist.

Ruby: Alright... Just... promise you won't leave us...

Jaune: ... I promise. You guys are my family.

Weiss immediately ran up and wrapped her arms around the blonde.

Weiss: You dummy... don't go playing with my heart... okay?

Jaune ran his finger's across the girl's cold cheek.

Jaune: Never again...

Weiss: Good... wait again!?

Jaune: D-Did I say again? I mean... I would never dream of it!

Weiss looked back at the group only to see Ruby slowly sneaking away.

Weiss: Ruby, you bastard! I told you not to go after my man!

Ruby: HE WASN'T YOURS AT THE TIME!

Weiss: HOW DARE YOU!!

Weiss began to chase Ruby before Jaune sighed.

Jaune: I'm gonna have to explain all this to Weiss... Yang, you good?

Yang grabbed Jaune by the collar of his jacket.

Yang: Just what did you do to my sister?!

Jaune: I uh... I'm... sorry?

Yang: You're gonna be sorry!

Yang dragged Jaune to the backyard to "spar" which is to say beat the shit out of him.

(In Mistral)

There was a knock at the door Jaune’s room. To no one’s surprise he didn’t answer. At least this shouldn’t have been a surprise to anyone. Ruby wasn’t anyone however and immediately began to panic.

Ruby: Jaune!! Are you in there!? Are you alive!? Are you asleep!? Yell if you’re asleep!

Nora was immediately awakened due to Ruby’s shouting. She rubbed her eyes as she walked out of her room.

Nora: Jeez… *yawn* what’s with the yelling?

Ruby: *tears welling up in her eyes.* I knocked on Jaune’s door and he hasn’t answered!

Ren stepped out from the kitchen wearing an apron.

Ren: So? He’s always been an early riser… maybe he’s out and you just missed him.

Ruby: His door is still locked.

Nora’s eyes widened.

Nora: Wait he hasn’t responded? And he’s still in there? Jaune wake up!!

Nora and Ruby began to bang on the door as Ren shook his head in disappointment. After a few minutes of this with no answer from Jaune he too began to grow worried.

Ren: Alright Jaune it’s time to wake up. Breakfast is almost ready… Jaune?

Ruby reached to open the door.

Ruby: Wait… it isn’t locked.

She opened the door and to the group’s surprise they saw Jaune sitting on the floor, hugging a pillow he yawned as he rubbed his eye.

Jaune: Good… *Yawn* good morning.

The group blushed at the sight.

Ruby: J-Jaune! What are you wearing?!

Nora: Aww! So cute!!

Ren: Leader… what is this?

Jaune: Oh this? I… *yawn* I found this while in town and… *yawn* and it just look sooo comfortable… I’ve been having trouble… *yawn* waking up though…

Nora: … It does look rather comfortable.

Jaune: Yeah I… zzzz

Ruby: Did he just… Jaune! Wake up!

Jaune jolted awake.

Jaune: Huh? Oh… hey Rubes… sorry did I doze off?

Ren: You did, yes.

Jaune: Sorry… I just feel so sleepy in this outfit.

Nora: Then maybe take it off?

Jaune: No… too comfortable.

Ruby: Then at least try to be up for lunch.

Jaune: O… Kay… zzz

All three: So cute…

Ruby: Let’s just leave him be.

The other two nodded and they all backed out of the room before slowly closing the door.

/ / /

Abandoned Deceived Route

Jaune turned onto his side as the sun bled through the curtains, hitting his face. He opened his eyes to see his girlfriend, Weiss. His head began to hurt as his mind raced with the different options he'll have to face. He slowly dragged himself out of bed as he held his head.

Jaune: Ugh, this headache. What should I do...

His voice trailed on while he walked into the bathroom to brush his teeth. As Jaune was in the bathroom Weiss finally woke up and began to get dress.

Weiss: Jaune! Are you in the bathroom?

Jaune: Y-Yeah, I'm almost done!

Weiss: Alright don't come out yet. I'm still getting dressed.

Weiss slipped out of her nightwear and into her dress. The group had planned to meet with Haven's headmaster in hopes of enrolling. Jaune though... he had other plans. He looked at himself in the mirror, noticing the bags under his eyes he began talking to his reflection.

Jaune: This is it, huh? I knew they'd catch up to me soon... Cinder, I've come to a decision... I'm sorry, Weiss.

As Weiss strapped Myrtenaster to her waist Jaune stepped out of the bathroom allowing Weiss to enter. He walked over to Gan Jiang and Mo Ye sitting on the table. He stared at the rope connecting the two for a bit.

Jaune: ... Would a chain be better?

He shrugged before he tied his weapon across his torso.

Jaune: Weiss, I'm gonna go ahead and see if the others are ready. I'll wait for you out front, okay?

Weiss: Y-Yeah that's fine.

Jaune made his way through the halls, examining the burn scars on his hands as he did. In the living room he only found Ren, Nora, Ruby, Qrow, and Oscar to be ready.

Jaune: So we're just waiting for Yang and Weiss?

Nora nodded after looking around.

Nora: Yup! Seems like it.

With a sigh Jaune sat down beside Ruby. The girl blushed, clearly still not over her feelings for Jaune. She began moving a hand closer to the boy before Weiss turned the corner and moved to sit on her boyfriend's lap, glaring at Ruby. Ruby looked away, a look of shame on her face.

Ruby: S-Sorry.

The tension quickly dissipated as Yang turned the corner appearing to be in a rush.

Yang: S-Sorry I took so long!

Ren uncrossed his arms as he sat up.

Ren: It's fine... as long as we're all ready to go.

Yang nervously rubbed the back of her head as the others stood up.

Jaune: It looks like we're all ready. Oscar, did you manage to get some training with that cane.

Oscar: Y-Yeah... I still could use some work, but I should be good.

Jaune: That's good... You might need it soon.

Everyone questioned Jaune's vague statement. However, their trust in him was too great for their own good.

/ / /

Jaune steeled his resolve as the group walked to Haven.

Jaune: 'I can't fail Salem.'

The academy was just up ahead, the silence was still. There wasn't a single student chattering amongst one another. It was... ominous.

Ren: Huh... I guess school is still out.

Ren made sure to keep a lookout, his paranoia only grew with the silence. As the group entered the school they found themselves face to face with Leornardo, Haven's headmaster. However, the look on his face was a nervous on.

Ozpin: Leo... what is the meaning of this?

Jaune gripped the roped of his Meteor Hammer, a stern expression on his face. Everyone else quickly followed suit, grabbing their weapons as Leonarder grabbed his and Cinder walked out from behind him.

Ruby: Cinder... what are you-

Ruby cut herself off as Emerald, Mercury, and three new faces walked out. Raven, Vernal, and a burly man by the name Hazel. Jaune gritted his teeth as Cinder's group got down and stood in front of our heroes.

Jaune: So... this is what you meant.

Our heroes looked at Jaune.

Ruby: Jaune... is something wrong.

Ruby tried to reach out to the boy before he started to walk towards Cinder, Gan Jiang in one hand and Mo Ye in the other. Yang cocked her gauntlets.

Yang: Jaune, Cinder is dangerous you shouldn't face her alone.

Jaune: ... I'm sorry.

With a dark expression on his face, Jaune swung Gan Jiang towards Yang. As Yang is knock back Ruby quickly catches her.

Ruby: Jaune... what is the meaning of this?!

Jaune: I had a choice, Ruby. I can't stay with you.

Weiss tightened her grip on her rapier.

Weiss: So you're leaving us? What about me! You wouldn't just... leave me, right?

Jaune noticed the tear stream down Weiss' face. His expression however was indifferent.

Jaune: ... I have a larger role to play. I'm sorry.

Her heart broke at his words, at his indifference. She... thought what they had was special. Ruby took his words even harder though. Had all this meant nothing to the boy? No, he loved them there was no doubt in his mind. He simply owes his life to Salem.

Jaune: I can't play pretend anymore... I was never meant to be a hero.

Weiss used her glyphs to rush Jaune, but Emerald had wrapped a chain around the heiress and pulled her toward her.

Emerald: Sorry, but I'm not letting you near him that easily.

The standoff was over everyone had to pick their fights. Oscar/Ozpin went against Leo, Yang rushed Mercury, Nora and Ren had to face off against Hazel, and Qrow chose to stop his sister. Ruby... she had to face off against her former friend and Cinder.

Ruby: Jaune... were you ever really our friend?

He remained stoic, dodging the reaper's sweeps with ease. Their fight was no different than a dance.

Jaune: I was... but I don't intend to keep my true alliance a secret anymore.

His words merely fueled her anger towards his betrayal.

Ruby: You... so you don't even have a reason!?

Her sweeps grew sporadic, uncaring for any damage she'd have to endure. Tears welled up in her eyes and she was unable to endure any more blows. The boy used Gan Jiang to strike her side and send her flying; Ruby's aura flashed as she hit the wall.

Yang: Ruby.

As soon as Yang was distracted Mercury struck her open back.

As soon as Ruby was down Cinder signaled to Jaune and Raven to head to the vault.

Cinder: Let's go already!

Raven knocked Qrow to the ground as she and Vernal followed Cinder and Jaune. As the four got on the elevator Yang quickly stood up and knocked Mercury away with the help of her semblance.

/ / /

In the elevator Jaune was finally fed up with being left in the dark.

Jaune: Alright, Cinder... what in the world is going on?

Cinder: ... I suppose it's only right for you to know… Salem requires us to gather the four relics.

Jaune: The... Relics?

Cinder: Right... she never told you. The relics... the crown of choice, staff of creation, sword of destruction, and the lamp of knowledge. Our mission is to... stop Ozpin... and humanity.

Jaune: ... You mean destroy humanity?

Cinder: Sadly yes... I... understand if this turns you away-

Jaune: I'm in.

Raven: Wait what?

Raven looked at the boy with a confused expression.

Raven: Kid, you do realize you can die?

Jaune: So? Not like I can go back.

Cinder stared at the boy worried before placing a hand on his cheek.

Cinder: Are you certain this is what you want?

Jaune gently pushed her hand away and stared into her eyes.

Jaune: Absolutely... I'm done not knowing which side I want to be on.

She smiled at the boy's answer.

Cinder: That's... alright, I won't stop you.

Jaune: So, what do we need to do?

Cinder: Each relic is held in one of the four major academies. Each in a vault requiring a maiden to open it.

Jaune: A maiden? I think I remember hearing something like that during the fall of Beacon.

Cinder: Yes... the four maidens of spring, summer, autumn, and winter. I... have the powers of the Fall Maiden. We needed the Spring Maiden to open the vault here in Haven.

Jaune: I see... and I assume that's one of you?

Vernal: ... That would be me.

As Vernal spoke Cinder grew skeptical, but she chose to remain silent.

The rest of the elevator ride was silent, none of them choosing to utter a word. After a while they finally stopped, and when the doors opened they found themselves face to face with a long and narrow bridge overlooking a large chasm, leading to two large doors.

Jaune: Is this the vault, Cinder?

Cinder: Yes... this is it. Well, go on and open it.

Raven and Vernal walked ahead of the two. The elevator had gone back up as soon as everyone walked onto the bridge. Jaune could feel tension in the air the closer they got to the vault. Vernal took a deep breath as she placed a hand on the doors. Cinder glared at the "Maiden" before manifesting a spear of fire.

The bandit's eyes widened as she felt a sharp pain in her abdomen; looking down she saw it, a spear pierced through her gut. As the spear disappeared she stumbled back before clutching her abdomen and falling off the bridge.

Jaune's expression remained unchanged.

Jaune: You saw through her lie as well, huh?

Cinder: Yes... yes I did. Now, Raven... open the vault.

The bandit clenched her fist and gritted her teeth.

Raven: You... you killed her and expect me to just listen?

The boy pointed Mo Ye at her.

Jaune: You hear Cinder... open the vault already.

Raven: No...

The Spring Maiden's voice trailed on as the wind began to twirl around her. With fiery eyes she glared at the duo.

Raven: If you think I'm just going to obey then you have another thing coming.

Cinder's eyes narrowed at the maiden as she accepted the maiden's challenge.

Cinder: I'm not asking.

Cinder drew a bow of fire as Raven prepared to launch a ball of fire. Jaune was not about to back down and prepared to throw Gan Jiang at the spring maiden.

Jaune: Back down Raven... You're outnumbered.

Raven however was not about to start listening to reason. Before long the ball of fire was launched at Cinder, creating an explosion big enough to engulf the two.

Cinder: Gah!! Jaune!

Jaune was launched backwards, but he was still on the bridge. Cinder's flight was interrupted, and before she could retain stability Raven launched another at a stalacite that was overhead. A large chunk was chipped off, and hit the Fall Maiden, knocking her out. Before Jaune could react Raven kicked Cinder's unconscious body off of the bridge.

Jaune: Cinder!! You'll pay-

Raven: You're outclassed, boy.

He clenched his grip and attempted to hit Raven with Gan Jiang. She was too fast however, and she managed to hit Jaune off the bridge before he could react. His eyes widened as he felt himself falling.

Jaune: 'Was this it?'

Out of desparation he tried to wrap Mo Ye around one of the support beams, but the rope fell short. The last thing he saw before the darkness of the chasm engulfed him was Raven opening the vault as a blonde came out of the elevator.

/ / /

How long had he been falling? A minute? An hour? When he saw finally caught up to Cinder he knew he had to save her. With a sigh he accepted his fight and changed his trajectory, grabbing onto Cinder and pulling her close as soon as he saw the opportunity. As he held the maiden he used Mo Ye to hook onto the walls of the chasm.

Once they came to a stop the boy noticed a pool of water.

Jaune: Water? Then maybe...

His dissapointment grew as the only piece of dry land was directly across the lake.

Jaune: You owe me for this, Cinder.

He examined the heavy head of Gan Jiang before letting go of Mo Ye and dropping into the water. Still holding onto Cinder he swam onto the small piece of land, and he set Cinder down as he rested on his back, gasping for air.

Jaune: Gah! Hah... hah... jeez... my clothes are all... wet...

His voice trailed on as he sat up and noticed how Cinder's wet clothes hugged her body tightly. He blushed before looking away and seeing Mo Ye still stuck on the wall of the chasm.

Jaune: I should probably go get that.

Already wet he jumped back into the water. Once he was close enough he grabbed the head on Gan Jiang.

Jaune: Now... how do I get back? I feel like I'd sink almost immediately if I... got it.

He climbed up the rope to yank Mo Ye out of the wall. Once he fell into the water he hugged the wall, stabbing Mo Ye into the wall to keep himself from sinking. As he tossed his weapon onto the small platform he panted while holding on.

Jaune: Jeez, that thing is heavy... I refuse to make it lighter though.

He felt something soft once he climbed back on. With his vision slightly obscurred he gave whatever he grabbed a squeeze. As soon as Jaune heard a moan he quickly realized what he grabbed.

Jaune: C-Cinder! I didn't mean...

His eyes were drawn to Cinder's peaceful sleeping face, a slight blush on it.

Jaune: Still asleep, huh?

He shook his head in an attempt to remove the devious thoughts from his head.

/ / /

As Cinder woke up she found herself wrapped in a cloak next to a fire. She blushed as she realized the cloak was all she was wearing.

Cinder: Where are my- wait...

She soon heard the sound of someone wringing wet clothes. As she turned to face the noise her blush grew as she saw a shirtless Jaune on the edge of the water.

Jaune: Oh... you're finally awake. I went ahead and dried your clothes first-

Jaune was cut off by a fire ball zooming past him.

Jaune: Oi! What's the big idea!?

Cinder: Y-You undressed me! Pervert!

Jaune: You could've caught a cold! Besides at least you have something to cover up.

Cinder: That doesn't change the fact that you- you saw me... y-you know!

Jaune: Oh please, it's not like it would be the first time.

Cinder: Th-That's different!

Cinder grew flustered as she desparately tried to cover any visible skin with the cloak. She got up and grabbed her clothes that were hanging on a wire.

Cinder: H-Hurry up and turn around, p-pervert.

Jaune: Jeez, fine...

Jaune turned around, still blushing. He heard the sound of ruffling clothes shortly after returning to wringing his shirt. As he wrung his clothes he heard Cinder sit behind him before feel a hand on his back.

Jaune: Cinder?

Cinder: ... What was your past really like?

Jaune: ... I thought I already told you-

Cinder: Please... we're alone. You can be honest.

Jaune looked at his reflection in the water, the scars on his muscles reminding him of how far he's come.

Jaune: ... My father often thwarted any attempts I made to become a hero. He... He wasn't afraid to push things too far.

Cinder: What exactly do you mean?

Jaune: ... My family wasn't caught in a blizzard. I... I ran away.

Cinder: What? Why would you...

Jaune: We were... on vacation, yes. I had... gotten my hands on a knight helmet. I was so happy that I showed my father... he wasn't fond of it though.

He smiled weakly as he remembered the few good memories he had.

Jaune: He... told me I should just give up... that I was too frail and fragile to be a hero. That I just... wouldn't make it. I ran to my room and well I was at my wit's end. I had... learned to tie a noose a few months before and hid it under my bed. I... just stared at it.

Cinder was shocked and wrapped her arms around the boy.

Cinder: I'm... so sorry.

Jaune: It was a long time ago... I've grown to appreciate my life more. All thanks to you and the others... so thank you.

Cinder: ... So you promise to not try that again, right?

Jaune: Don't worry... I'm not leaving any time soon.

Cinder smiled before letting go and let the boy put his shirt back on. 

Jaune: We should get going... Raven probably gave the relic to Yang.

Cinder: Wait what?

Jaune: It's a hunch... but I saw Yang after I fell down after you.

Cinder: I see... where exactly are we?

Jaune: The lowest level of Mistral.

Cinder: I guess we really should get moving.

Jaune: I already checked this place out a bit while you were asleep. If we're gonna get any info then Lil Miss is likely the best place to go.

Cinder: You sure seem to know a lot...

Jaune: ... Nobles have their connections.

While confused Cinder just wanted to leave as soon as possible and simply followed Jaune's lead. The two walked through the crime ridden streets of lower Mistral. Eventually the came across a bar.

Cinder: Jaune... you sure this is the place?

Jaune: I'm certain...

Jaune and Cinder walked through. She pulled the her hood of her cloak as others stared at her. Jaune walked up to the bartender.

Jaune: We're here to see Lil Miss Malachite.

Bartender: Only one person per meeting.

He looked at Cinder before she spoke.

Cinder: I can stay out here...

The bartender opened a door and led Jaune to a meeting room. Meanwhile, Cinder sitting at a table, waiting for Jaune. Her eyes were drawn to an eerily familiar silhouette.

Cinder: ... Neo?

Cinder was able to jump back as Neo jumped from the rafters and broke the table.

Cinder: Woah, Neo calm down! I'm not here to-

She was cut off as Neo thrusted his parasol at the witch.

Cinder: Neo! Stop!

The witch deflected and dodged the young boy's attacks. Their fight broke multiple chairs and tables before Jaune stepped out of the meeting room.

Jaune: Alright what is...

His voice trailed on and his eyes widened as he saw Neo.

Jaune: Neo!?

Neo stopped in his tracks as he heard the familiar voice. Looking back he saw Jaune running at him. Before Neo could react he felt himself fall into Jaune's embrace. Tears welled up in Neo's eyes.

Jaune: Neo! Oh, I'm so glad you're okay!

Neo gritted his teeth before returning the hug and burying his face in Jaune's chest. He had missed the warm, safe, and reassuring embrace of Jaune. As the hug came to an end Neo looked up at the towering blonde.

Jaune: Neo, are you doing we-

Before Jaune could finish he felt Neo's lips on his. The kiss was full of passion. They had secretly longed for one another during their time separated. Their lips parted and they gasped for air.

Jaune: Hah... did you miss me?

Neo nodded, his eyes glued to his lover.

Jaune: No worries... so did I.

Placing a hand on the back of Neo's head Jaune pulled Neo into another kiss. This time Neo was a lot more prepared. Their tongues wrestled for control, becoming increasingly drunk on eachother's taste.

Jaune: Hah... I love you-

Neo pushed off of Jaune before signing.

Neo: 'Why are you with Cinder?'

Jaune: Oh, Cinder? She uh... we've come to a mutual understanding.

Neo: 'What!? But she killed Roman!'

Jaune: Well... sure she's responsible, but I do kind of owe her.

Neo: 'Owe her!? Do I not matter to you?'

Jaune: You do matter, trust me. I just... didn't realize you were still alive.

Neo: '... Yeah that's fair. Still... don't you wanna stay with me?'

Jaune: I want to be by your side, yes... but I'm playing a role bigger than anyone could imagine.

Cinder: Ahem, I feel like I'm being left out here.

Neo looked at Cinder before signing to Jaune.

Jaune: I see... she says she's willing to help us. Mainly to make sure you don't get any ideas.

Cinder blushed as she heard this.

Cinder: Wh-What?! Excuse you but I'm not some horny teenager.

Jaune: Doesn't matter she's still joining.

Cinder: F-Fine... whatever.

Cinder stormed out of the bar, furious and a blushing mess. Neo gave Jaune a smug look.

Jaune: Oh, shut it. You already killed any chances for some sort of threesome.

Neo pouted before following behind Jaune. As the three walked the streets of Mistral Cinder began to grow curious.

Cinder: Did you get any info from that place?

Jaune: Fortunately I did. Ruby has been spotted taking a train to Argus... My guess is they too have learned of the Relics and are heading to Atlas.

Cinder: Right... think you'll be able to pull through?

Neo tapped Jaune's shoulder and signed to him.

Jaune: Huh!? When did you- How did you get a bullhead!?

Cinder: I'm sorry, the gremlin has a bullhead?!

Jaune: Guess we have a ride.

Cinder sighed, disappointed at being one upped by Neo. Neo began to pull his lover by the sleeve and dragged him as Cinder followed. After a few hours of walking they had finally made it to a parked Bullhead on a cliff.

Jaune: You never cease to amaze me, ice cream... Ice Cream? Neo?

Cinder: Huh... where did the gremlin go...

Jaune: N-Neo! What's with that- mmph!

Neo kissed his lover once more before signing.

Neo: 'No questions love... just enjoy the eye candy~'

Jaune: R-Right... Will do...

Jaune's voice trailed on as his eyes were drawn to a suitcase Neo was holding.

Jaune: Did you seriously... no...

Neo: 'That's right... I kept that suit Roman gave you. Why don't you wear it? I made sure to wash it.'

Jaune: ... Alright fine.

Jaune: I still think the accessories are a bit much.

Cinder: You look fine, Jaune. More than fine actually~

Neo glared at Cinder before she put her hands up in surrender.

Cinder: Right right, I won't try anything.

Jaune rolled his eyes before stepping onto the bullhead.

Jaune: Well? Are you guys ready to go?

Cinder: Oh right right.

The three got on and Jaune started up the Bullhead.

Cinder: You sure you know how to fly this thing?

Jaune: Meh, it can't be that hard.

/ / /

A/N: The Redeemed Route may take a while to release since I really want to focus on the Deceived Route. First image by cslucaris. I was unable to find the artist for the second image so if you know tell me.

Tw: mentions of attempted suicide

You have been warned

Previous

After the fight with the Nuckelavee Jaune was the only to sustain any real injuries. He merely needed some rest, or so the doctors told him. He could barely even get out of bed though even after a few days when Ruby entered the room.

Ruby: Hey, Jaune... feeling better?

He grunted as he slowly sat up, a few burn marks visible on his neck and hands.

Jaune: ... I could be better. How's my rosebud doing?

A light blush appeared on her face as she smiled.

Ruby: I-I'm fine. More importantly I got a letter from Yang. She'll be coming here soon.

Jaune: That's good to know...

Ruby: Still tired I see... Weiss is with her, you know?

Jaune: Ah... I see. I have been meaning to talk to her.

Ruby nodded, moving to sit on the foot of the bed.

Ruby: Do you... still... you know?

Jaune: During the fall... I never got to apologize for yelling at her. I... don't want to be on bad terms with Weiss.

Ruby: Are you... and her gonna get back together?

Jaune: Rubes... It's complicated. I don't... I don't really know what I want with Weiss.

Ruby scooted closer to the blonde.

Jaune: Weiss is my partner... and I enjoyed my time with her... but I've also enjoyed my time with you, Rubes.

Ruby stopped and stared at the ground, a sad expression on her face.

Jaune: So... if it's any consolation... I'd like to spend as much time with you as possible before Yang and Weiss are here.

Ruby: ... That's not fair. I thought... I thought you said you wouldn't leave.

Jaune: Ruby, I know it's scummy... but I can't just leave Weiss alone. I... I want both of you to be happy, trust me I really do.

Ruby clenched her fists on her knees as a tear fell down her face.

Ruby: You're right... It's scummy. You just... toy with people's hearts don't you?

Jaune: Ruby, that's not... I'm not... I know I'm not the best person when it comes to this. Even when I try it seems like I can't stop hurting people.

Ruby: Then stop... please just stop trying.

Jaune: Rubes, our... this thing we have... it wasn't meant to last. You deserve much better than-

Ruby quickly pulls Jaune into her embrace before kissing him. With tears in her eyes Jaune could feel the emotion Ruby had bottled up finally pour out. As the kiss ends she places her forehead on his and speaks with a shaky voice.

Ruby: Shut up... I... I don't want better. I want you damn it.

Jaune: Ruby... you... I...

She wraps her arms around the blonde as she quietly sobs into his shoulder.

Ruby: I said shut up... please just stop talking. If... if you really think Weiss needs you... then let me enjoy what I can.

Her sobs fill the quiet room as Jaune slowly pats her head.

Jaune: Alright... yeah.

The two embrace each other as exhaustion envelops Ruby and she falls asleep in his embrace.

/ / /

A few days later after being aquianted with a boy by the name Oscar they find out who Ozpin truly is. Ren, Nora, Ruby, and Jaune gathered around in the living room as Qrow was passed out drunk.

Jaune: So let me get this straight... Ozpin, you... can reincarnate?

Ozpin: My consciousness is transferred to someone with a similar mindset.

Jaune: Right right... and you slowly take over their body?

Ozpin: I prefer to think of it as a mutual exchange. They get some wisdom and experience and I get a new body.

Ruby: So this is your semblance?

Ozpin: Uh... sure.

Jaune was naturally skeptical. Salem had told him about Ozpin but barely gave him a briefing.

Jaune: And your host is okay with this?

"Ozpin" shook as Oscar took back control.

Oscar: It's not like I had any say. He sorta just... appeared.

Ren crossed his arms, giving an almost disapproving glare.

Ren: And it looks like age doesn't matter in this process.

Nora bounced excitedly as she squished the boy's cheeks.

Nora: Don't worry, we'll make sure to keep you safe until-

Before the redhead could finish, the door bursted open as Yang and Weiss finally arrived.

Yang: Make way! The dragon has arrived.

Everyone stared at the duo before Jaune sighed and went to check if the door was fine.

Weiss: Yang, you know that was a slide door.

Weiss sighed before moving to help Jaune.

Yang: Hehe, sorry about that. So, who's the kid?

Ruby: Oh, Yang, this is Oscar... or Ozpin? I'm not entirely sure what to call him yet.

Oscar: J-Just Oscar is fine... Oz also agrees.

Yang paused, trying to process the information.

Yang: Okay, you're gonna have to fill Weiss and I in later.

Weiss: Agreed... so Jaune... how have you been?

Jaune: Weiss, I...

Jaune looked at Ruby who gave him a small nod before looking back at Weiss.

Jaune: We need to talk... alone.

Weiss: O-Oh... um alright.

Jaune took Weiss' hand and led her to his room with a visible blush on her face.

/ / /

Jaune took a deep breath before locking the door and turning around to face Weiss.

Jaune: Weiss... I... I'd like to apologize. The fall... I yelled at you when I shouldn't have. If you'd like... I want to start over.

She blushed as she processed Jaune's tender words. He approached and place his strong hands on her shoulders; a somber look on his face.

Jaune: Please... I need an answer.

Weiss: Jaune, I... I don't know what to say. I... I would love to.

He slowly cupped one of her cheeks. The two looked into the others' eyes as their breaths grew heavy. Their lips had finally met once more after what felt like an eternity. This time Jaune wanted to follow his heart. When the two finally separated it was clear they each wanted something more.

Weiss: You know... there's a free bed. Do you...

/ / /

Back in the living room the group blushed as they heard moans and a creaking bed. Nora naturally covered Oscar's ears in an attempt to protect his innocence.

Yang: W-Woah... those two are really going at it.

Yang's eyes were drawn to a shaking vase. Ruby pouted and muttered as she crossed her arms.

Ruby: It should be me in there instead of her.

Yang's eyes widened at her sister's statement.

Yang: Wait… what!? Ruby! What happened to my innocent sister!?

The group argued for a bit, did some catching up, and had some laughs. Jaune though… he had other plans.

/ / /

No longer being stuck to a bed was a relief for Jaune. After all it had been a few years since he was last in Mistral of course he wanted to have a look around. What he didn't expect was to meet a familiar face.

Cinder: Hello Jaune…

He quickly turned the corner and entered the alley where the voice came from.

Jaune: Alright… stop hiding Cinder.

The woman exited the shadow, cloth covering her left arm and her hair hiding her scar.

Cinder: You seem to be getting awfully close with those friends of yours. What happened to putting Salem first?

Jaune stays silent, pondering her words.

Cinder: You'll need to make up your mind soon. Stay… or come back. Remember what you promised.

Jaune watched as Cinder walked away, and he clenched his fist.

Jaune: The choice is mine? As if… I'm sorry.

/ / /

As Jaune walked through the front door Weiss immediately lunged at him.

Jaune: W-Woah, hey there Weiss. Everything okay?

She smiled brightly as she held her partner.

Weiss: Hehe, yup! Everything is better than okay.

He smiled softly as he ran his fingers through the girl's white hair.

Jaune: That’s good… how about we head to bed? We're meeting with Haven's headmaster tomorrow.

Weiss: Okay!

Jaune picked up the young girl and carried her to his room. He had one thought on his mind as they retired for the night.

Jaune: 'I'll have no regrets.'

/ / /

Previous

The four stretch and yawn as the sun rises. After picking up their sleeping bags it was time to hit the road yet again.

Ruby: Ugh! How much longer until we get there?

Jaune: I already told you that the road to Mistral is going to take days on foot.

Ruby: Days?! Why must we travel on foot?!

Jaune: Because somebody blew all our cash on a bath house.

Jaune glared at Nora.

Nora: I thought it was gonna save us money. It said couple's discount. How was I supposed to know it was gonna be the most expensive place?

Jaune sighed and pinch the bridge of his nose.

Jaune: Not to mention someone held the map upside down for a good few days.

Ruby: I-I didn't know it was upside down.

Ruby's face turned red in embarrassment as her new "boyfriend" called her out.

Jaune: It's fine. The map says there should be a town up ahead, so we can rest there for a bit.

Ruby's face lit up a little before Jaune shut her thoughts down.

Jaune: Just rest. I'm not wasting anymore time than needed to do... stuff.

Ruby frowned before rolling her eyes and crossing her arms.

Ruby: Ugh, fine I'll keep my hands to myself.

Jaune nodded and continued to lead the four before they saw smoke over the trees.

Jaune: No... this can't be happening!

Jaune began to ran to the smoke, the other three struggling to keep up.

Nora: Jaune! Slow down!

He stopped as soon he was at the entrance to the town, it was broken down and there was smoke.

Jaune: It doesn't look like a Grimm attack... what happened?

As soon as the other three arrived they all looked at the town with a mortified expression.

Ruby: Oh gods...

Ruby put her hand in front of her mouth.

Ren: What happened here…

Ren was the only one brave enough to step into the town and look around.

Jaune, Nora, and Ruby followed suit. The four explored the ruins finding some water, food, and some furniture left behind.

Jaune: Looks like some managed to make it out... that still begs the question as to what happened.

Jaune ran his hand along the scorched wall, finding some bullet holes and scratch marks.

The boy's eyes widened as he heard an all too family cracking sound.

Jaune: ... Tyrian.

Nora tilted her heard as she looked at Jaune.

Nora: Huh? Did you say something?

Jaune: Nothing... we should get a move on.

Ruby: Jaune... you're acting kinda weird.

Ruby reached her hand out towards the boy before he lunged at the three and pushed them out of the way of a large scorpion tail.

The remains of the building they were in collapsed as Jaune managed to get them out. Jaune clenched his Meteor Hammer before the others followed suit. With their guard up a hand emerged from the rubble before a Scorpian Faunus with long braided hair pulled himself out. He smiled ominously as his stinger swished around behind him.

Faunus: Well well well, what do we have here?

Jaune gritted his teeth before he started charging an up swing.

Jaune: We're not looking for trouble stranger.

The tension between Jaune and the mysterious Scorpian Faunus was clear the Faunus shook his head.

Faunus: No need to be so tense. While you do interest me... I'm here for her.

Ruby recoiled a bit as the Faunus pointed at her.

Ruby: What's this about? The White Fang? Cinder?

The Faunus was slightly stunned before laughing maniacally.

Faunus: Hahahaha, she wished! No... my loyalty is solely towards her highness... unlike any of you... especially you, blondy.

Everyone looked towards the blonde awaiting his response.

Jaune: We're not just gonna give you our friend.

Faunus: Fine... I'll just take you then.

He charged towards the red hood before having his hand smacked away by Gan Jiang. Nora, Ren, and Jaune stood in front of her.

Jaune: You won't be doing that either. Rubes, get to a vantage point.

Ruby nodded as she began to back away.

Faunus: Ugh, You really are a brat Jau-

Before he could finish speaking someone had punched him away. Where the Scorpian once stood now stood a middle aged man with a red torn up cape wielding a great-sword.

Qrow: I'll be damned if I let you do anything to my niece.

Ruby: Uncle Qrow!

Jaune: Uncle who?

Qrow: You kids stay back, I wouldn't want my semblance hurting you.

Qrow ran towards the Scorpian who was rubbing the bruise on his cheek.

Tyrian: You damn brute... I am Tyrian Callows. I will not be bullied by some-

Tyrian used the metal blades on his guantlets to parry Qrow's blade.

Tyrian: Not much of a talker, huh?

Tyrian jumped to gain some distance and shoot at Qrow who was able to dodge his attacks. Even when Qrow closed the distance Tyrian seemd to have the upper hand by slashing at Qrow with his blades. Ruby on the roofs was not about to let Qrow fight alone however and shot at Tyrian. As Tyrian blocked the bullet with his stinger he looked back at the young girl on the roof.

Tyrian: I see... if I can't hurt the bird... I'll just go after who I need to.

Qrow: No! Ruby I told you not to get involved.

Qrow began to grow desparate, his fighting style grew more frantic. His weapon switching to sword and scythe on a whim.

Eventually Qrow lost his sword after throwing it at Tyrian who pulled his arm back as he tried to grab it. With a grunt Qrow punched Tyrian and ran to get his weapon back. Wrapping his stinger around Qrow the two were now on a roof. Their fight grew more and more sporadic, and Ruby was unable to get a good shot which forced her to get closer.

Jaune: Ruby, no don't!

Qrow and Tyrian lost their footing and fell through a weak part of the roof.

Ruby however refused to listen and joined into the fight, now much closer to the danger.

Qrow: Kid, get out of here-

Tyrian silenced Qrow by slashing him with his stinger and injecting the bird with venom. Ruby quickly wiped the smirk off the scorpian's face by shooting of his stinger.

Tyrian: Gah!! You-You BITCH!

Tyrian quickly began to retreat.

Tyrian: She'll forgive you... Blondy... listen to me... she doesn't forgive traitors... choose a side!

Ruby ran and wrapped Qrows arm around her shoulder as he clenched his wound. Everyone else other than Jaune followed suit and supported Qrow so he wouldn't fall over. Jaune stared at Gan Jiang as he walked in front of the four.

Jaune: ... We need to keep moving.

Ruby: But what about uncle Qrow?! He needs help-

Qrow: The kid's right, Rubes... we need to get to Mistral asap.

Qrow coughed as he felt the venom spread.

Jaune: We'll take a break in the woods once everyone's calmed down.

Jaune's face was more serious now. He was no longer the lighthearted boy. He knew something the others didn't.

Jaune: 'If Tyrian is here then Salem is expecting me.'

/ / /

After a few minutes of walking the five went off the trail and into the woods. Ruby place Qrow again a tree gently as Ren started a fire. Jaune kept a look out before speaking.

Jaune: So... you wanna tell us why you tailed us?

Ruby tilted her head at his question.

Ruby: He was tailing us?

Jaune: Since we left Patch there's been a crow following us.

Qrow: Hah... so you noticed? Good eye kid.

Jaune: Shut up and start talking.

Qrow: Watch your-

Qrow coughed as he clenched his wound.

Jaune: You're in no place to argue.

Ruby couldn't help but feel intimidated by Jaune's shift in tone even if it wasn't directed at her. Qrow sighed as Nora handed him a fish from the campfire.

Qrow: Fine... it was Tai's idea to follow you. Make sure you kids are safe. Turns out his intuition was right.

Jaune: I could've taken that freak on my own.

The group was silent before Ruby tried handing Jaune a fish.

Jaune: ... I'm fine Rubes.

Ruby: You need to eat... you need the energy.

Jaune: I said I'm fine.

Ruby: Then... at least let me keep watch with you.

Jaune: ... Fine. We leave first thing in the morning.

Jaune took the fish out of the young girl's hand and ate it as the others prepared to go off to sleep.

/ / /

Late into the night Ruby sat next to the blonde. The tension was palpable.

Ruby: ... Are you mad?

Jaune: I'm not... I'm just worried.

Ruby: Jaune... That Faunus... it almost seemed like you knew him.

Jaune: We did know each other... that's percisely why I'm upset.

Ruby: Was he always so...

Jaune: No... he wasn't always like this. Believe it or not he used to be kind and gentle when I was younger. Faith drove him to insanity.

Ruby: His queen or whatever, right?

Jaune nodded before running his hand across the head of Gan Jiang.

Jaune: Devotion is a dangerous thing, Rubes. It may motivate you, but it can also lead to your death. Never forget that.

Ruby looked at the floor as Jaune spoke. It seemed like he was growing more distant the closer they got to Mistral.

Ruby: Jaune... you're not gonna leave us, right?

Jaune: If my ambitions call for me to leave then I might.

Ruby: ... I see. I suppose it was foolish of me for thinking you'd stand by my side.

Jaune placed his hand on top of hers. The young teens blushed.

Jaune: I don't plan on leaving your side anytime soon though so don't worry.

Ruby: Y-Yeah... alright.

Ruby leaned on Jaune's side before he did the same and they drifted off to sleep.

/ / /

Once morning came the young "couple" woke the others before packing their things. Jaune and Ruby carried Qrow as Ren and Nora followed.

Jaune: The map said there should be a fork in the road, so we'll split up once we get there.

Ren and Nora nodded at the blonde's words. After an hour or so they came up on the fork in the road. A worn out sign is barely legible but they can make out the words "Kuroyuri."

Ren: Nora and I will go through the mountains.

Jaune simply nodded before he and Jaune headed to "Kuroyuri."

Nora: You think we really should've let them go by themselves? What if... IT is still there?

Ren: They'll be fine... Even with Qrow in the state he's in they should be strong enough to deal with it.

The road to Kuroyuri was long, and as they got closer to the town a sense of dread loomed in the air. A thick fog prevented the three from seeing ahead.

Ruby: Jaune... something feels off.

Jaune: It's fine I'm sure you're just being paranoid.

Qrow: No kid... she's right. There's a Grimm nearby... I'm sure.

One of the downsides of being raised in the Grimm Lands was that Jaune was naturally unafraid of Grimm. For better or worse if a Grimm were nearby he couldn't sense it.

The three everntually came across the rundown town. A sense of dream perpetually encompassing the ruins. The three tensed up as they heard heavy step... almost like a horse. Jaune set Qrow down near a tree as Ruby readied Crescent Rose.

Ruby: What the... what is that.

Ruby's grip on Crescent Rose was shaky as the fog cleared revealing something unlike anything they have ever seen, a Nuckelavee. The Grimm's head twisted around and looked straight at Jaune and Ruby. It screeched, freezing the two in fear.

/ / /

On the mountain Ren and Nora heard the creature.

Nora: Ren, we have to help them!

Ren gritted he's teeth before he and Nora made a beeline straight for the town.

/ / /

Jaune was quickly able to regain control and carried Ruby out of the way before the Nuckelavee attacked.

Jaune: Just what is this damn thing?

As soon as Jaune put Ruby down she ran and made her way onto a roof.

Ruby: I'll try to provide support up here!

Jaune noddded as he struck the Nuckelavee with Gan Jiang before it swatted at him, sending him into a wall and depleting a huge portion of his Aura.

Ruby: Jaune!

Ruby gritted her teeth as she shot the Nuckelavee to no avail. As the two fought Ren and Nora finally arrived.

Jaune: About time, Nora, you and I hit it as hard we can.

Nora nodded at the blonde. Ren and Ruby provided support as Jaune and Nora struck the Grimm with no rest. They all froze as the Grimm screeched and swatted Nora and Jaune away.

Ren charged at the Grimm, sliding and shooting its underside. Jaune stood with a grunt before gripping Mo Ye.

Jaune: You damn... bastard.

Jaune narrowly dodged another blow before he could get close enough to pierce the Nuckelavee with Mo Ye. The Grimm howled as Mo Ye stabbed its underside.

Jaune: Checkmate.

Gan Jiang began to glow before Jaune struck the Grimm's head. A large explosion followed leaving the others to worry.

Ruby: Jaune!

Ruby yelled as she got down from the roof. Using what remained of her aura she entered the large fire and pulled Jaune out.

Ruby: Jaune, wake up! Please!

His eye's slowly opened to the sound of Bullheads and the sight of smoke rising. It seemed as though he and Qrow were being carried into Bullheads.

Jaune: Rubes?

As soon as she heard Jaune speak Ruby quickly pulled him into her embrace.

Ruby: Jaune! Oh thank the gods you're alive!

Jaune: What happened-

Ruby: Shut up! Save your energy, please.

Jaune couldn't help but be amused at Ruby's worry. She placed him back on the stretcher.

Ruby: The fire your attack caused alerted nearby rescue. We should be at Mistral in no time.

Jaune: That's... good.

Jaune slowly closed his eye. The adrenaline had finally run out and in its place was exhaustion. Ruby stared at her sleeping rebel before kissing his forehead.

Ruby: ... Sleep well Jaune.

An Abandoned au side story (I might make more of these in the future)

Warning! Smut up ahead. Read at your own risk. Enjoy!!

Previous

Ruby had finally made up her mind. Despite her father and sister's wishes she'll be going to Haven in Mistral to work towards becoming a huntress. Luckily she was able to get in touch with Jaune and two members of his old team. She opened the door to find the three waiting for her.

Ruby: Alright, I'm ready to go.

Ruby slung a backpack over her shoulder to which Jaune quickly took it off her as Ren and Nora sighed.

Jaune: We won't be needing this, Rubes. It'll just slow us down. A sleeping bag is all you'll need.

Jaune took out a sleeping bag from Ruby's backpack before she noticed the two ends of Jaune's Meteor Hammer hanging off of him. While the blunt end, Gan Jiang, looked relatively the same she noticed where the blade, Mo Ye, once was there's now a hook almost resembling a sickle.

Ruby: You uh... you changed your weapon, I see.

Jaune stood and held the sleeping bag under his arm.

Jaune: Huh, oh yeah I did. Figured a hook might come in handy given Anima's rough terrain.

Ruby ran her hand along the hook being careful not to cut herself on the sharp edge.

Ruby: It's... very sharp.

Ren coughed to get the two's attention.

Ren: Ahem, we should get going before it gets dark or we'll miss the Bullhead.

Ruby: Ah, right I almost forgot.

Ruby and Jaune quickly caught up to Ren and Nora. As the four walked Ruby decided to end the awkward silence.

Ruby: So... the Bullhead can only take us to the most southern part of Anima?

Jaune, nodding: Yeah, with the CCT down Bullheads are only allowed to travel so far for safety reasons.

Nora groaned as she heard this.

Nora: So that means we have to WALK?

Jaune: I mean... yeah, but I don't mind. Besides it could be nice.

The four shared a few laughs and jokes here and there as they finally arrived at the Bullhead departing to Anima. Jaune took a deep breath as he steeled himself for the long ride.

/ / /

Jaune almost thew up a few times and as they landed Ren and Nora had to help him off the Bullhead.

Ruby: Maybe we should check into a nearby Inn.

Ruby took a look around the port town.

Jaune: Yeah... maybe we should.

Jaune gagged, making sure to take deep breaths. Ren sighed as he and Nora dragged Jaune to a nearby bench.

Ren: Well if we do we'll have to make some lien afterwards since we only have enough to stay one night.

Ruby blinked as she processed this new found information.

Ruby: Wait what? Y-You guys brought barely any money?

Nora patted Jaune's back as he slowly came back to his senses.

Nora: Ren and I are orphans. Jaune says he grew up on the "outskirts" so I doubt he has any money.

Ruby: Great... so now we're all homeless. I'm sure we can find at least ONE cheap inn around here.

As the three looked around Jaune finally came back to life.

Jaune: A map... we need a map of Anima and... a compass.

Ren nodded before crossing his arms.

Ren: Jaune's right. If we're going to spend money we should make sure we can at least navigate this place first.

As much as they all wanted to be able to sleep with a roof over their head they couldn't dismiss the importance of navigation. Ruby turned around preparing to walk away.

Ruby: I'll... look for a map store.

A few hours passed and Ruby had finally returned, a rolled up map in one hand a compass in the other.

Ruby: Alright... so that was most of our budget. I guess we're sleeping in the woods.

Jaune sighed, getting up from the bench.

Jaune: Yeah, at least we still have a few hours of daylight to set up a fire and eat. Lead the way, Rubes.

Ruby opened the map and led the three out of the town.

Ruby: This is not how I expected our journey to start off.

Ren: I suggest you get used to it.

/ / /

The sun began to set as the four were barely outside of the town. Nora grew frustated with the walking.

Nora: How did you get us lost in the town!?

Ruby: I'm sorry, I didn't know the map was upside down!

Jaune face palmed before walking off the trail.

Jaune: Whatever, this is as good a place as any to set up camp.

Ruby pouted as she watched Jaune go off to collect fire wood.

Ruby: I miss Vale.

/ / /

The four sat around a fire as four fish were set over it, slowly cooking.

Ren, noticing only three sleeping bags: Hey Jaune... where are you sleeping?

Jaune, mumbling: I forgot a sleeping bag.

Nora, tilting her head: You... forgot... a sleeping bag?

Jaune: Yeah, I forgot a sleeping bag and I couldn't find logs big enough to make a tent.

Ruby, sighing: I suppose I could let you sleep in mine. It should be big enough anyways.

Jaune took the four fishes off the fire and handed one to everyone.

Jaune: No, it's fine... I don't need that much sleep anyways.

Ruby pouted as she ate her fish.

Ruby: Well I inisist.

Ren bit into his fish slightly disappointed by the lack of flavor.

Ren: Someone has to keep watch though. I hear Anima has a nasty Grimm casualty rate.

Ruby sighed as she finished her fish.

Ruby: Fine... just don't hesitate to sleep if you get tired.

As soon as the four finished their fish Ren, Nora, and Ruby went to sleep in their sleeping bag. Meanwhile Jaune decided to get some training in as he kept watch.

/ / /

Late into the night Ruby awoke to the rhythmic thud of something banging against a tree followed by the sound of wood being sliced. She blinked as her eyes adjusted to the darkness. Getting out of her sleeping bag Ruby followed the noises and found Jaune tossing Gan Jiang and Mo Ye at a tree. She couldn't help but notice the wear and tear of the tree along with the marks left by his weapons. More importantly she noticed Jaune's shirtless body, his muscles glistened in the moonlight as sweat dripped down his body. Jaune panted as sweat dripped down his face.

Jaune: Damn it... not good enough. I need to practice on an actual target.

Ruby saw the bruises and scars on his body. The bags under his eyes indicative of his restless nights training.

Ruby: Jaune... why do you push yourself so much?

Jaune sat up against the tree as he panted.

Jaune: I refuse... to be useless.

Jaune hung his head as his began to shut on their own. Ruby slowly approached the blonde and ran her hand across his body. She felt the numerous scars along his body and sighed.

Ruby: Please rest for now. I'll take the next watch.

Ruby sat beside him, she would make sure the boy was safe.

/ / /

The sun rose as Ruby felt a hand on her shoulder. She slowly opened her eyes and yawned as she saw Jaune in front of her.

Ruby: Oh... good morning Jaune.

Jaune: Jeez, did you really sleep out here? I thought I told you I could keep watch.

Ruby blushed a little, remembering the sight she saw.

Ruby: S-Sorry, I was just... worried.

Jaune stood up and put on his jacket.

Jaune: It's fine. Pack up so we can get a move on.

Ruby nodded and ran off to help Ren and Nora pack their things. After Jaune put out what was left of the fire the four were back on the trail. The trek to Mistral would be a long and dangerous journey.

Ruby: So... Jaune, how come you don't talk about your past.

Nora: Ruby! You don't just ask an orphan about their past!

Ruby: I-I'm sorry! I didn't mean to-

Jaune: I'm not an orphan. My parents are... probably out there. I just... don't have the best relationship with my family, especially my dad.

Ren tilted his head in confusion.

Ren: Huh? Why's that?

Jaune: Well... my family wasn't exactly fond of the idea of me becoming a hunter.

Ruby: Ah... I see, I didn't realize that was the case... but then how are you so good at fighting?

Jaune pondered Ruby's questioned.

Jaune: Well... when I was 12 I... ran away. I managed to find someone willing to train me.

There was a long silence before Jaune continued.

Jaune: I... don't regret my actions. To be free... one must give up something in return. For me... that was my chances at a normal life.

Nora: Is that... really what you believe?

Jaune, nodding: It's what I've always believed. Freedom means something different to everyone... but we all must sacrifice something to achieve it.

Silence engulfed the group as they followed the trail.

/ / /

A few hours passed when the four heard the sound of falling trees. They instinctively followed the sound and found the Geist Grimm possessing some boulders. Ren, Nora, and Ruby looked at Jaune before nodding. Ruby used her semblance to close the distance between her and the Grimm. She attempted to shoot it only to find it ineffective.

Despite the Grimm's size it was quite fast and swatted at Ruby, missing by a hair. Nora and Ren shot at the Grimm and provided cover for Jaune as he hit the Grimm with Gan Jiang.

Jaune: Damn it... Gan Jiang isn't heavy enough to do any damage.

So far the only one doing any damage was nora with her grenade launcher.

Jaune: Nora! Hammer!

Nora grinned as her weapon switched into its hammer form and she gripped the handle. Hitting the ground she was able to launch herself into the air towards the Grimm. She laughed hysterically as she hit the Grimm's "arm" and shattered it.

Jaune: Alright!

As Jaune cheered the Geist simply replace its arm with a nearby tree and swatted Jaune away.

All: Jaune!

Jaune: Gah!

Air escaped the boy's lungs as his back hit a tree. Jaune looked and Mo Ye before looking at his team struggling to fight. An idea had finally crossed his mind.

Jaune: Ren, Nora, Ruby cover me!

The three nodded as the shot at the Grimm. Nora destroyed any of the attacks that almost hit Jaune. As he got close enough he jumped onto the Grimm's "arm" and tightened his grip on Mo Ye. He managed to get the blade under the Grimm's face and grabbed the rope.

Jaune: Now I've got you.

The boy jumped backwards and pulled the rope as hard as he could, ripping the Grimm's "face" off the boulders. Jaune panted as soon as he landed and grabbed Mo Ye's handle.

Jaune: That... took way too long.

Ren: At least we won…

Ren's voice trailed on as everyone caught their breaths. As soon as Jaune was able to walk again he led everyone back on the trail.

/ / /

The group would eventually come across a town.

Ruby: Finally! A town! I need a shower.

Ruby let out a sigh of relief.

Jaune: I'll go ahead and look for a blacksmith. I need to make some upgrades to Gan Jiang.

Jaune walked off deeper into the town as he folded the map and put it away.

Nora: Alright! Ruby and I will look for a bath house.

Nora dragged Ruby along with her and Ren sighed as he followed behind.

After a few minutes the four met back up and the town entrance.

Jaune: Alright, I got a few good recommended blacksmiths. Once I upgrade my weapon we can head back on the road.

Nora: No! We're heading to the bath house. We all need a bath.

Nora complained to which Jaune face palmed.

Jaune: Fine, I'm gonna go get an upgrade first though.

Nora reluctantly followed and so did the other two. As the four enter the weaponsmith they're met with a burly man.

Weapon smith: Ah, hello there. What can I do for you?

Jaune placed Mo Ye and Gan Jiang onto the counter and pointed at the 20 ounce head of Gan Jiang.

Jaune: I need a heavier head for this part of my weapon. It's twenty ounces right now... I want to make it much heavier I'm thinking... a pound and a half (680 grams).

The weapons smith looks at the Meteor Hammer.

Weapon smith: Hm... I suppose I could do that. Do you have the material necessary and the lien?

Jaune placed four ounces worth of steel onto the counter.

Jaune: Is this enough?

Weapon smith: That oughta do it. I'll get this all melted down and prepared for you.

The weaponsmith takes the head of Gan Jiang and the steel off the counter and into the back. The four wait and Ruby decides to break the silence.

Ruby: So... why do you want to make your weapon heavier?

Jaune: ... Back at the forest I could barely do any damage. We'll be coming across more and more dangerous Grimm. If they're all as tough as the one we just faced then... I have to be able hit harder than ever before.

Ren nodded a long as he took in the information.

Ren: But if you can't hit as fast that extra weight becomes useless.

Jaune: I can keep up, don't worry.

The weapon smith came back, carrying a large steel ball.

Weapon smith: Here, I went ahead and smoothed it down for you.

Jaune took the ball and attached it to the rope of his weapon. Before the four could leave Ruby placed Crescent Rose on the counter.

Ruby: I have a request.

Ruby places Pyrrha's armor onto the counter.

Ruby: Melt this armor down and make some engravings into my weapon for it.

The stern look on Ruby's face was one of pain. Someone who had lost something or someone close. The weapon smith nodded and took the armor and Crescent Rose into the back. 

A few hours pass before he returns with Crescent Rose now donning a spiral pattern of gold a rose on both sides near the trigger.

Weapon smith: I hope this satisfies you. You kids stay safe. First time services are on the house.

Jaune and Ruby nod as they follow Ren and Nora out of the shop.

/ / /

Nora, stretching: Jeez, now can we head to the bath house?

Jaune sighs before reluctantly agreeing.

Jaune: Fine, where is this bath house. My body could use the relaxation."

Nora bounced with excitement as she led the group to the bath house.

Jaune's expression appeared agitated as he read the sign outside of the bath house.

Jaune: Mixed... bathing? Couple's discount? Are you serious?

Nora: I am dead serious. You said it yourself, we need to save money wherever we can.

Jaune looked back at Ren and Ruby.

Jaune: And... you two are okay with this?

Ren, shrugging: I don't mind.

Ruby however shifted a little as she blushed.

Ruby: W-Well maybe I'm having a few second thoughts.

Nora playfully slapped Ruby's back.

Nora: Nonsense! You're the one who said we should go here!

Ruby: I-I guess...

Ruby pouted as Nora began to push the three into the bath house where they're greeted by a young woman at the counter.

???: Welcome! I hope you four enjoy your bath!

Four: Reese!?

Reese: Eep! Uh... h-hey didn't expect to see any more familiar faces.

Jaune: Why are you working a bath house?

Jaune tried to stall and get out of this situation.

Reese: It's uh... I'm here visiting some old friends. Haven's classes are out at the moment so I thought I'd try to make some extra lien.

Reese shifted as she rubbed the back of her head and chuckled nervously.

Nora: Right, we're just gonna go on in now.

Nora began to push the other three.

Reese: Um... showers are separate... and uh make sure to get the towels.

Nora rolled her eyes before grabbing four towels and handing one to the others.

/ / /

In the locker room Jaune and Ren were undressing, Ren's slim and slender build was in stark contrast with Jaune's more lean build. Whereas Jaune's body was covered in scars Ren's was smooth and unsullied.

Ren: ... How'd you get those scars?

Jaune folded his clothes and placed them in the locker.

Jaune: I don't skimp out when it comes to training.

Ren winced as he imagined what kind of training can do that to a man's body.

Ren: I suppose the look suits you.

Jaune: It wasn't about whether it suited me or not. I had to get stronger if I wanted to survive.

There was a long silence as Ren took in his leader's words. The two entered the shower area, finding it to be unusually empty. Apart from the emptiness the two washed their body before entering the bath.

/ / /

Nora and Ruby entered the locker room. Nora gave Ruby a smug look as they undressed.

Nora: So, you excited?

Ruby's face was absolutely flushed.

Ruby: Sh-Shut up... I'm not... maybe a little.

Nora: Think you'll be able to get a peek?

Ruby was absolutely flustered as she remembered when she saw Jaune shirtless in the forest. With shaky hands she managed to place her clothes in the locker and followed Nora into the shower room.

/ / /

Ren and Jaune entered the bath, a towel wrapped around their waists. At the same time Nora and Ruby entered the bath, their bodies wrapped in a towel. Whereas Ruby's body was small and petite with a narrow waist Nora's was almost the opposite her curves being accentuated by the towel.

Nora: Yoo-hoo, over here!

Nora called out to the two boys as she waved at them. Jaune blushed as he saw the girls. Attempting to hide his embarrassment he sunk into the water as the girls entered the bath with them.

Nora: Looks like we have the place all to ourselves, huh?

Nora moved closer to Ren who was seemingly calm about this entire interaction.

Ruby: W-wow, you uh.. you look good, Jaune.

Ruby made her way closer to Jaune and placed a hand on his arm as he sat up.

Jaune: ... Y-You look nice too, Rubes.

Jaune and Ruby's faces were almost as red as tomatoes. Whether from the heat of the bath or their own emotions the two hormonal teens couldn't help but get closer to each other.

Ruby: You know... Weiss sure has good tastes.

Ruby moved even closer. Were she a little taller her shoulders would be touching Jaune's.

Ruby: You look good with wet hair.

Jaune: Th-Thanks...

He could barely get his words out. Jaune didn't mind Ruby's company far from it. He did however know that he should keep his actions in check. Both him and Ruby were growing teens, their hormones were all over the place. Should he give Ruby the wrong idea who knows what can happen.

Ren and Nora were seated directly across Jaune and Ruby. Unlike the blond and petite though Ren and Nora seemed to be perfectly comfortable being next to each other. It almost looked like they were both asleep.

Jaune: Ruby... don't you think you're kinda too close?

Ruby: ...Jaune I've been told to seize any oppurtunity I can. I... I want to make the most of my travels with you... please.

Jaune's eyes widened in surprise at the girl's confession.

Jaune: W-What are you saying? Ruby I... I don't think that's...

His voice trailed on as the girl started getting closer and bolder with her actions. She placed her hand on his thigh as she inched forward. Their breaths grew heavy as her hand snuck under his towel.

Jaune: Ruby... we shouldn't... we shouldn't do this...

Ruby: Why not...

Ruby's words were heavy, and she showed no signs of backing down. She wanted this, and she knew Jaune was too pent up to even say no to her advances.

Without a second thought Ruby's lips met the boy's. Jaune wrapped his arms around the girl now straddling his lap as she placed her hand on his chest for support. Her lips tasted like strawberries... he loved it. The kiss felt like an eternity, and when their lips separated they both struggled to catch their breath.

Jaune: Ruby... we should stop.

Ruby shook her head as she wrapped her arms around Jaune's neck, and she pulled him in for another kiss. This time the kiss was more intimate. Their tongues began to explore each other's mouth. He placed one hand on the back of Ruby's head and the other on her lower back. Ruby moaned into the kiss as Jaune began to grow bolder. Their lips separated once more to catch their breaths.

Jaune: H-Hold on... maybe we should wait until we're somewhere more private?

Ruby couldn't even speak with how amazed she was at Jaune's performance. She could simply nod as she got off the boy's lap.

/ / /

After waking up Ren and Nora the four left the bath house. While Ren and Nora felt refreshed Jaune and Ruby were... feeling something in their lower body. They were definitely gonna have to continue after later on the road.

As they traveled Nora walked beside Ruby and whispered to her with a smug look.

Nora: You got pretty bold at the bath house. You're lucky Ren was asleep. Perhaps you should invite me next time?

Ruby blushed at Nora's words. There is definitely more for her to look forward to than she thought.

Previous

Jaune awoke back in Salem's castle. He laid in his bed contemplating on whether or not he should stay. He quite literally saw what Salem was going to order her followers to do. Was this… really the right option. He sighed as he got out of bed and walked through the halls eventually coming across the meeting room where Arthur, Tyrian, Salem, Cinder, and Hazel were seated with Emerald by Cinder's side.

Tyrian: Cinder clearly failed! Why is she even here!

Jaune could hear Tyrian yell.

The arguing only grew as Emerald would defend Cinder before the subject of Haven was brought up to which Jaune bursted in.

Jaune: If I may inteject. I have a proposal for a... trip to Haven.

Tyrian: No one invi-

Before Tyrian could finish Salem held her hand out.

Salem: Enough. Jaune, continue.

Jaune: Ahem, if you truly think Haven is going to be a threat... I propose that I go scout Mistral out.

The room was silent for a while before Cinder whispered to Emerald.

Emerald: Cinder says it could be the best option to have someone scout it out. I think so too... Jaune is the only one whose face isn't widespread. He could blend in.

Salem pondered the option for a bit before speaking.

Salem: Alright... Jaune I'll leave it up to you to scout out Mistral how you wish.

Jaune: Thank-

Salem: However, I'd like it if you could show that you are capable of this mission. Meet at the courtyard. You'll be fighting as many Grimm as you can.

Jaune nodded and walked out of the meeting room. Steeling himself for his test.

/ / /

Jaune walked out to the barely lit courtyard where Salem stood and the others watched from the side. He held Gan Jiang and Mo Ye as he took a deep breath.

Jaune: Alright... I'm ready.

As Salem nodded a Nevermore swooped down and Jaune managed to dodge by a hair. As he dodge he bashed the Nevermore's head with the weight of Gan Jiang. Letting his guard down slightly two smaller Nevermores swooped in with one one of them managing to scratch his cheek.

Jaune: Damn...

Jaune threw Mo Ye at one of them, managing to wrap it around its foot. He slammed the tangled Nevermore into the ground, dodging another sweep from the other Nevermore as he did. Jaune didn't make the same mistake and kept his guard up this time.

Jaune: Not this time!

He yelled as he turned around and kicked a Beowolf with enough force to kill it. He fought and fought wave after wave of Grimm. Beowolves, Nevermores, Ursas, even a few Lancers. He was going to prove himself... he had to.

After a few hours of nonstop fighting Jaune fell to one knee, panting.

Salem: Get up.

Salem demanded, uncaring for the boy's tiredness. Jaune groaned as he got up before being kicked aside by an Ursa Major. He gritted his teeth as bashed the Ursa's head with Gan Jiang.

Jaune: I'm not... done. I can still... fight.

Cinder watched nervously as Jaune pushed himself, his aura was low and he was taking actual damage from each hit. Even after all the beating, all the damage, all the fighting and fatigue the boy managed to get up. True to his word he wouldn't let anything knock him down. 

Salem, raising her hand: That's enough. You have proven yourself. You leave first thing in the morning after you rest up.

Jaune: ... Thank you.

Salem: I should warn you, the Grimm in Anima are like nothing you've seen. There are some that you should not fight. Some are out of my control because of the distance. I can't protect you.

Jaune nodded and made a mental as he dragged himself back into the castle.

/ / /

Jaune was in the shower, washing off all the sweat and grime he accumulated from his test when he heard a knock.

Jaune: Occupied!

He heard the door open and saw Cinder enter.

Jaune: C-Cinder, what are you-

Cinder spoke, her voice barely a whisper.

Cinder: We need to talk... Do you mind if I join you?

Jaune blushed but before he could respond Cinder began to remove her clothes and he quickly looked away. Although his eyes couldn't help but trace over her newly acquired Grimm arm. Cinder entered the shower with him.

Cinder: Jaune... it's ugly isn't it?

Jaune watched as Cinder rubbed her Grimm arm nervously.

Jaune: No... not at all. It's unique... it suits you.

Cinder smiled softly before returning to her worried expression.

Cinder: Jaune... do you really want to leave?

The tone of her voice Jaune could tell she was being sincere.

Jaune: I do... I've started having doubts about all this. I... I want to help you all I really do, but I also want to make sure my friends from Beacon are going to be okay.

The sound of the running shower filled the long silence before Cinder spoke.

Cinder: I see... you've grown so much... physically and mentally.

Cinder traced Jaune's muscles making sure to be careful with her Grimm arm.

Jaune: Cinder... I can't stay in the castle forever... and we were eventually gonna be separated again.

Cinder: Then... at least let me make one final request.

Cinder placed her right hand on Jaune's chest as she moved closer. Jaune instinctively wrapped his hands around Cinder's waist.

Jaune: How long have you felt like this?

Cinder: You knew, huh? For a while now... just... don't leave us, okay?

Jaune: Alright... I won't.

Jaune leaned in and his lips met with Cinder's. The kiss lasted far longer than the two would've imagined. When the two finally parted they were both gasping for air.

Cinder: Jaune... you... you don't have to... you know. I just... couldn't let you leave without telling you how I feel. I know... you and Neo...

Jaune held Cinder close, their bare bodies making the embrace all the more intimate.

Jaune: You'll have a special place in my heart. Even if it isn't romantic... you'll always be more than a friend to me.

Cinder felt tears run down her face as she heard his word, as she felt his warmth.

Cinder: Okay... I'm more than alright with that.

The two were silent as they showered together both from the awkwardness of the situation and to let the feelings sink in. The two eventually finished and after getting dressed Cinder turned to face him with a slight blush on both of their faces.

Cinder: Can I... sleep in your room tonight?

Jaune, smiling: Yeah, sure... I don't mind.

/ / /

The two laid in bed together, unable to fall asleep. Jaune was about to say something before he felt Cinder tug on his shirt.

Jaune: What is it?

Cinder blushed as she looked away.

Cinder: ... Hold me, please.

Jaune wasn't about to say no and turned to face her. He wrapped his arms around the Fall Maiden, one on her back the other on the back of her head. He pulled Cinder close.

Jaune: I suppose you really were holding yourself back all this time, huh?

Cinder closed her eyes as she took in Jaune's warmth.

Cinder: ... I'll miss you.

Jaune smiled as he kissed her forehead.

Jaune: I'll miss you too.

The two drifted off to sleep, unable to stop Jaune from leaving Cinder chose to enjoy every minute.

/ / /

The sun bled through the curtains, the first time the sun shone in the Grimm Lands just had to be the time Jaune left. The sun hit Cinder's face and when she woke up she was all alone in bed. She cried as the realization of Jaune being gone finally set it.

/ / /

I know this chapter was short, but I just wanted to make sure I covered what happened with Jaune after the fall and his reason for meeting with Ruby and traveling to Mistral.

Previous

Jaune was completely unaware of what Cinder was doing or what she was planning, enjoyed the tournament as normal. Yang and Pyrrha had won their duo round against Flynt Coal and Neon Katt. Weiss and Nora also managed to win their round and were moving onto the single rounds. The arena was packed, countless of watchers around remnant tuned in to see the last few rounds of the tournament. The best of the best were gonna be pitted against each other.

Port: Ladies and gentlemen! This is the moment you've been waiting for! The first of the one on one matches!

Oobleck: Team JNWL's Weiss Schnee shall be up against Shade's Mercury Black! The prodigy vs the unassuming newcomer! Who will win!?

Jaune cheered on his partner from the crowd.

Jaune: You got this Weiss! Give it your all!

Weiss smiled as she heard her leader's words. However, as she recalled the praise her leader gave to Mercury she furrowed her brows, glaring at her opponent. She readied her weapon as the countdown began.

Weiss: It's a shame I have to humiliate you in front of your friend.

Five!

Mercury put up her fists as she retorted.

Mercury: Jaune and I grew up together. No matter what you'll always come second in his eyes.

Four!

Weiss: What was that?

Three!

Mercury's intention was clear, enrage the young prodigy and throw her off her game.

Mercury: You heard me, the only reason you two are together is because he's so oblivious to how Cinder feels.

Two!

Weiss tightened her grip on her rapier as she gritted her teeth.

Weiss: I worked hard to get to where I am. I'm not just gonna let you ruin my relationship with my partner.

ONE! FIght!

Weiss used a glyph to launch herself towards Mercury to which Mercury was able to dodge the attack by a mere hair. Mercury respond by raising her right leg and dropping it as quickly as she could on Weiss. Weiss was quickly to recover and put some distance between her and Mercury.

Weiss, thinking: 'I'm not losing to this woman. I have the advantage.'

Weiss pointed her rapier at Mercury and switched it to fire dust.

A ball of flame came hurling at Mercury, unable to dodge Mercury prepared to use her prosthetic legs to shoot a projectile through the flame. Mercury's aura was brought down slightly, but she was able to successfully shoot at Weiss.

Mercury: If you think you can win by stay far away then think again.

Weiss gritted her teeth as she prepared to charge forward again with a glyph. This endless cycle of attacking and fleeing continued, both unable to do much. They continued to whittle at each other's aura. However, it wasn't the fight that Mercury was focused on but attempting to taunt Weiss. They both adapted to each other's fighting style, dodging projectiles, blocking attack, could this be a stale-

Suddenly a buzzer rang throughout the arena.

Oobleck: Weiss Schnee, by a mere percentage of her aura left has won!

As Weiss huffed and stood over Mercury she looked at the screen, she had indeed won. Her aura was at 15 while Mercury's was at 14.

Mercury: Congratulations, you looked good in front of your boyfriend. Too bad he'll be too busy making sure I'm not too hurt to care.

Weiss: Shut it.

Weiss stabbed her rapier into the floor between Mercury's legs.

The crowd gasped, while to Mercury and Weiss this didn't look bad Emerald made sure to follow orders and used her semblance to make everyone watching see Weiss stab her rapier into Mercury's leg.

There was a silence before Mercury yelled.

Mercury: AH! WHAT THE- MY LEG! YOU STABBED MY LEG!

Murmers rose in the crowd as Neo disguised as a medic carried Mercury away in strecher.

Port: Weiss Schnee! For excessive use of violence has been disqualified. Weiss looked around.

Weiss: Wait no- I didn't do anything I-

Weiss cut herself as she saw the shocked and disgusted look on her leader's face. Jaune ran out of the arena and Weiss attempted to catch up to him to clear up the misunderstanding.

/ / /

Weiss: Jaune wait, please let me-

Jaune: Stop! I know what I saw. You expect me to believe it was an accident? I saw it clearly, I saw that look in your face. I need to make sure Mercury is okay.

Jaune continued to walk, not even stopping to let Weiss explain herself.

Weiss: Jaune, please! It's not what it looks like-

Jaune: Then what is it!?

Weiss: I-I... Mercury was-

Jaune: Oh, we're deflecting blame onto Mercury, huh? Can't even take responsibility?

There was a long silence between the crumbling couple.

Jaune: I thought you were better.

Weiss: ... And I thought you could trust me.

Jaune walked away from his partner, unable to look at her the same.

/ / /

Mercury was in the infirmary "recovering" when Jaune knocked on the door before entering.

Mercury: Jaune, you actually came.

Jaune: Of course I did.

Jaune sat by Mercury's side and held her hand.

Mercury: Hehe... you look so weird with that sad look on your face. I'm on some strong stuff hehe.

Jaune: Jeez, you’re so...

Jaune's voice trailed as he noticed something off about Mercury's legs. He ran his hand across her boot, noticing the almost metallic stiffness. He quickly moved to remove Mercury's boots much to her surprise.

Mercury: W-Wait! Don't-

Jaune stared at Mercury's now exposed prosthetic legs.

Jaune: Mercury... what is the meaning of this?

Mercury: I-I... Cinder is working to destroy Beacon and had me provoke Weiss to hurting me and instill fear in the crowd!

Jaune: What!? Th-That hurt millions in the process. Why would she-

Cinder: It's Salem's orders.

Cinder walked into the room with Emerald following behind.

Jaune: Wh-What, b-but why?! Why would you...

Emerald: Jaune... this is for the best. You told us you'd follow Salem too... didn't you?

Jaune: I... I don't think I can go through with this one.

Cinder, clenching her heart: Then you should stay out of the way.

Jaune clenched his first and gritted his teeth before relaxing.

Jaune: ... Okay I'll... stay out of the way. For Salem.

Cinder nodded as Jaune left the room before turning to face the others.

Cinder: Do you think he'll keep his mouth shut?

Mercury: He's loyal, he won't run his mouth.

/ / /

As Jaune returned to the arena and sat with his friends the tension between him and Weiss was high. Actually the tension in the crowd was high both from what people believe Weiss did and excitement for the final round of the tournament.

Port: And we are back! We apologize for the interruption but welcome back to the final round of the Vytal tournament! Penny Polendina of Atlas vs Pyrrha Nikos of Beacon!

Oobleck: Yes, Port, this round is surely one for the history books without further ado let's begin!

Pyrrha and Penny glared at each other as the countdown slowly went down. Neither dared to utter a word and after five grueling seconds Pyrrha launched herself towards Penny. As Pyrrha slashed at the young girl Penny was barely able to dodge with minimal damage to her aura. The contestant were silent as they traded blows. Pyrrha would either slash with her sword, bash with her shield, or shoot at Penny while Penny was something of a one trick pony using her swords attached to her via thin strings.

Jaune had been sitting near Emerald and had overheard Cinder via an earpiece telling Emerald to start the next phase. Before the boy could ask he saw as Pyrrha used her semblance to take control of Penny's swords and used the strings to slice Penny into multiple pieces. What the boy didn't know was that Emerald had used her semblance to make Pyrrha see Penny's swords multiply into the hundreds and have use her semblance to get rid of Penny.

The entire crowd was stunned, the silence was deafening, the tension was palpable. Pyrrha was shocked at what she had just done.

Port: L-Ladies and Gentlemen allow us to cut the cameras.

The entire world all asked themselves one question, "Was this the kind of huntsmen Beacon is producing?"

/ / /

Meanwhile on a certain Bullhead a particularly smooth criminal was being transported. This criminal was none other than Roman Torchwick.

Roman: Hey... we're all friends here. Why not let me go?

He was responded to with silence.

Roman: Well, it was worth a shot.

Roman's cell was then opened by a fairly short officer.

Roman: Took ya long enough, Neo.

Neo rolled his eyes as he deactivated his semblance.

Roman: Yeah-yeah, you needed to make sure there were no witnesses. Now, what was it Cinder wanted us to do?

Neo took out his scroll and followed Roman to the Bullhead's cockpit.

Roman: Right, take control of the Atlas boltheads.

Roman took the scroll and placed it into the cockpit making the screen glow red.

/ / /

Back at the arena while everyone was starting to panic as they had just seen the invincible girl seemingly kill someone, Jaune wasn't as fazed. You see... Salem had conditioned him well, broke him as much as she could. Numbed his reaction to death and despair. That wasn't to say he didn't care about the lives of others though. No matter what Salem did she could never get rid of the boy's empathy. All he could do was stare as Penny's eyes dulled, her body mutilated. He snapped out of it when he noticed that all the negative emotions from the crowd had attracted hordes of Grimm. More importantly the shield that had been protecting the arena had disappeared allowing the Grimm to sweep civilians and enter the arena.

Jaune, gritting his teeth: We need our weapons.

Everyone was long gone as Jaune got off his seat and out of the arena. Using his scroll he called his locker to his location and got his Meteor Hammer.

Jaune: CInder... what have you done?

The boy was quick to help Pyrrha who was still stunned by her actions. Before a Nevermore could bite down on the poor girl Jaune sent Gan Jiang to bash its head.

Jaune: Snap out of it, Pyrrha. We need to get everyone to safety.

Pyrrha was silent, only being able to nod and follow Jaune's lead. The two left the arena soon after to meet up with the staff and other students.

As the two were almost to a nearby evacuation Bullhead Pyrrha stopped in her tracks.

Pyrrha: Jaune... I can't go with the others. I have to go do something.

Jaune contemplated for a bit. Ultimately he knew this would involve Cinder in some way.

Jaune: Then I'm going with you. You'll need all the help you can get.

Pyrrha simply nodded and ran back into Beacon and met up with Ozpin.

Ozpin: Children, quickly there isn't much time.

Jaune followed the two eventually arriving to the lowest floor of Beacon underground where an unconscious woman was inside a machine.

Jaune: Ozpin... what is this?

Ozpin: There isn't time to explain. Make yourself useful and keep a lookout.

Pyrrha got into another capsule next to the one where the woman lay.

Jaune stood behind and clenched his weapon as the procedure began. Pyrrha was going to become the Fall Maiden... at least that's what Ozpin hoped. As Jaune stood guard Cinder eventually arrived, her eyes flaming with half of the Fall Maiden's powers.

Cinder: Jaune... stand down.

Jaune was torn between letting Cinder have her way or defending the very future of Beacon when Ozpin finally spoke up.

Ozpin: Stall for us. The procedure is almost-

Cinder: No!

Cinder charged at Pyrrha, but Ozpin managed to stop her in her tracks.

Ozpin: New plan, take Pyrrha and go far away.

Jaune nodded and ran to the capsule as the procedure ended and opened up. Pyrrha fell into the boy's arms and he ran past Cinder.

Cinder: Jaune! Don't you dare disobey me!

Before Cinder could chase after the two she was struck by Ozpin.

Ozpin: You won't get to her without going through me.

The two fought but in the end Ozpin's weakened magic was no match against Cinder's fury and her died at her hands.

/ / /

Meanwhile Ruby had attempted to get on a nearby Bullhead as everyone was fighting off the Grimm and hacked robots. Unlucky for her this Bullhead was the same one Roman and Neo had hacked.

Roman sighed as the Bullhead shook with Ruby's forceful landing.

Roman: Ugh, Neo go check out the commotion.

Neo frowned but then sighed as he walked away. At the landing pad Neo found none other than Ruby.

Ruby: You again... why are you here?

Neo rolled his eyes as he pointed to his mouth.

Ruby: Right... mute. Well I'm here to stop you.

Neo sighed before charged Ruby and struck her with his parasol. After multiple strikes Ruby had easily been overwhelmed and was dangerously near the edge.

Ruby: W-Wait AH-

Ruby had fallen but was able to grab hold of the ledge. Neo pointed his parasol at Ruby before she quickly open it, sending the boy flying in the wind.

As Ruby managed to climb back on Roman had come to check on the commotion.

Roman: Alright what the- ah, if it isn't little red.

Ruby: Roman! I knew you were here!

Before Roman could respond Ruby charged towards him to which he struck her with his cane.

Roman: Rude, you didn't even let me respond.

As Ruby as on the ground Roman repeatedly struck her with his cane.

Roman: You and your little huntsmen are all going to do two things! Fight and die! Meanwhile I will do what I do best!

Strike!

Roman: Lie!

Strike!

Roman: Steal!

Strike!

Roman: Cheat! And sur-

Before he could finish his sentence a Nevermore landed behind the criminal and swallowed him whole. Ruby was quickly able to regain her sense and dodge as the Nevermore charged at her and crashed into the engine, blowing up the bullhead.

/ / /

Pyrrha coughed as Jaune carried her in his arms.

Pyrrha: ... Jaune what did she... mean?

Jaune: ... I don't know, okay?

Pyrrha: You knew... you knew she would do this, didn't you?

Jaune: ... No, I didn't. I... If I did I would've tried to stop her.

Pyrrha: ... I can tell you're lying. I have to stop her.

Jaune: You'll die if you try.

Pyrrha: I won't know unless I try.

Jaune: ... Fine... I'll tell Ruby to follow you. Head to the roof... You could get the upper hand with less oxygen.

Pyrrha nodded as the two made it to the courtyard and she got off of Jaune.

Pyrrha: Jaune... if you do know anything... please stay by our friends and help them... not Cinder.

Jaune was silent as Pyrrha began to make her way to the roof of Beacon. As soon as Cinder caught up to Jaune he simply pointed up to where Pyrrha was headed. Jaune, true to his word made sure to call Ruby and tell her what was going down as it began to rain.

/ / /

As Cinder arrived Pyrrha turned to face her.

Pyrrha: Cinder... tell me, was Jaune in on this entire thing?

Cinder decided to humor the girl.

Cinder: No... he wasn't. We kept in the dark about all this. We only told him recently when he checked up on Mercury in the infirmary.

Pyrrha: ... I see.

Pyrrha readied her weapon.

Pyrrha: Then... maybe I won't have to feel so guilty about dying to you. I just regret not being able to find out more about him.

Pyrrha's semblance was kicked into overdrive as she picked up objects much larger than her.

Pyrrha: Only one of us will leave here tonight.

Cinder grinned as she readied her magic.

Cinder: Then bring it.

Pyrrha attempted to keep her distance, using her environment to launch debris at Cinder. However, it was no use as Cinder didn't seem to get tired. Seeming to have and inexhaustible amount of magic... had Jaune lied to her? The lack of oxygen seemed to only make her woozy. Her footwork was starting to get sloppy even at close range. Did she just mess up? Pyrrha slipped on the wet floor and Cinder struck her back. Even as Pyrrha attempted to stand up Cinder kicked her away. Cinder stepped on Pyrrha's head.

Cinder: Just give up. The Maiden powers would suit me better anyways.

Pyrrha gritted her teeth as she was barely able to get on her knees, she had accidentally dropped her weapons as Cinder drew a bow and aimed at the girl's chest.

Pyrrha: Let me ask you... Do you believe in destiny?

Cinder: ... Yes.

Cinder let go and the arrow stabbed Pyrrha's heart just as Ruby arrived and witnessed her Partner die.

Ruby: Nooo!

Ruby yelled, unknowingly activating her silver eyes and hurting Cinder. Cinder gritted her teeth as she quickly got away. Ruby fell to her knees as Beacon began to crumble.

Beacon had fallen, countless were injured, countless died. A dark chapter in Remnant. Little did everyone know the world was going to change.